Naomi Osaka finds strength after US Open semi-final loss
After falling in the US Open semifinals, Naomi Osaka reflects on her season, her growth, and her ambitions for the rest of the year. Rather than sadness, she feels inspired to improve and finish strong.
Naomi Osaka, US Open 2025 – © Zuma / Psnewz
Naomi Osaka’s journey at the US Open came to an end in the semi-finals, but the four-time Grand Slam champion left New York with determination rather than disappointment. “Honestly, I’m not sad because I feel like I did everything I could,” she said. “Honestly, it’s inspiring for me because it makes me want to train and try to improve, and hopefully, yes, give my best again and see what happens. But I think I can’t be angry with myself.”
The Japanese star emphasized the confidence she has rebuilt over the season. “Even at my worst, I never played a tournament thinking I was going to lose in the first round. If I participate in a tournament, I want to win. So, I would say going far in the US Open was certainly a boost for my confidence. How well I did in Montreal was also a confidence boost, but the season isn’t over yet. Honestly, I’ve gone a little further than I thought.”
Osaka is now focused on finishing the year strong and preparing for the Australian Open. “I just wanted to be seeded in the Grand Slams, but now I don’t know what position I’m in, and I still think I’m rising. Obviously, I want to do well in Australia. I always play well there. So, my goal now is to do well on the Asian tour and finish the rest of the year on a high.”
I feel I did very well this year
She also reflects on her growth and the impact of working with her new coach Tomasz Wiktorowski. “I think everything is a process. Obviously, this is my second tournament with Tomasz. I have to take that into account. I have to understand what my level is, what I was able to achieve last year, and I think if I put it all into perspective, I feel I did very well this year. Also, I like to grow year after year. Even before playing this tournament, I had already exceeded my expectations. My worst year is someone else’s best year, in retrospect. So I just have to find ways to trick my mind to be positive.”
For Osaka, the season has been about more than just wins and losses. It’s about progress, self-reflection, and building momentum for the future. With her confidence restored and her goals clear, she aims to turn each challenge into an opportunity to grow.
