Naomi Osaka’s much-anticipated return to the French Open ended in disappointment on Monday, as the four-time Grand Slam champion bowed out in the first round with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 loss to tenth seed Paula Badosa. What followed was an unfiltered display of raw emotion that left fans and fellow players concerned for Osaka’s well-being.
“I Hate Disappointing People”
In the aftermath of her defeat on Court Philippe-Chatrier, Osaka took questions from the media with tears welling in her eyes. “As time goes on I feel like I should be doing better,” she said, her voice cracking. “I hate disappointing people.” The apology was heartfelt and immediate, setting a tone of vulnerability rarely seen in top-level professional tennis. Within moments, she excused herself and walked off the court, tears streaming down her face.
Coach Comparison Triggers Self-Criticism
Osaka, currently ranked No 49 in the world, has been working with renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou since 2022. Mouratoglou previously guided Serena Williams to multiple majors, and Osaka was candid about the pressures of following in that legacy. “He goes from working with, like, the greatest player ever to, like, ‘What the f**k is this?’” she confessed, immediately apologising for her language. The remark laid bare her self-doubt and frustration at not meeting her own expectations or those of her support team.
Physical Struggles on Clay
Osaka’s comeback this season has been uneven. After giving birth to her daughter in August 2023, she captured a WTA 125 title in Saint-Malo earlier this month—her first on clay—raising hopes she might finally master the red dirt. But at Roland Garros, the surface seemed to betray her. She needed medical treatment for blisters after the opening set, blaming “the friction of clay” for her discomfort. A staggering 54 unforced errors and five double faults compounded her woes, leaving Osaka physically hampered and emotionally drained.
Mental Health Remains a Focus
This isn’t the first time Osaka’s mental health has taken centre stage at the French Open. In 2021, she withdrew from Paris citing “huge waves of anxiety” and revealed she had been battling depression. Her candidness earned widespread praise and reignited debates about athlete welfare. Monday’s breakdown underscores that her journey back to peak form is as much psychological as it is physical.
Looking Ahead: Grass Court Season Uncertain
Osaka herself acknowledged that her immediate future is unclear. “I don’t necessarily know my grass-season schedule right now,” she admitted between sobs. “I wasn’t really expecting to lose in the first round.” Wimbledon looms on the horizon, but Osaka’s path there remains uncharted.
A Champion’s Resilience
Despite her distress, Osaka’s career achievements remind us of her resilience. Four Grand Slam titles, an Olympic gold medal, and a global fanbase attest to her extraordinary talent and mental fortitude. Many in the tennis community are already rallying behind her—hoping that this painful Paris outing will be another stepping stone in her remarkable comeback story.
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