Naomi Osaka opens up about Cincinnati loss

Naomi Osaka faced a disappointing exit from the Cincinnati Open, failing to secure a spot in the main draw after losing to Ashlyn Krueger in the final round of qualifying. The two-time US Open champion expressed her emotional turmoil in a heartfelt statement, revealing feelings of fear and disconnection from her own body. Osaka had aimed to regain her competitive edge during the North American hard-court season but found herself struggling to find her rhythm. Despite some recent successes, including a notable victory over Ons Jabeur in Canada, Osaka admitted to feeling a sense of unease reminiscent of her postpartum experience. She articulated her concerns about not feeling like herself on the court, stating, “the tennis racquet should feel like an extension of my hand.” This emotional struggle has left her questioning her current state and the transitions she has faced in her career. Looking ahead, Osaka is focused on the upcoming US Open, where she will require a wildcard to enter the main draw. Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance, not just for herself but also as a lesson for her daughter. “I want to teach my daughter that she can achieve so many things with hard work and perseverance,” she noted, underscoring her commitment to making the most of her time in the sport. Osaka concluded her statement with a resolve to give her best effort, acknowledging that while life is unpredictable, she can promise herself to work diligently until the end of her journey.