“Next One”: Venus Williams Cheers Naomi Osaka Up After Shocking Exit From Mutua Madrid Open 2021

Tennis ace Naomi Osaka was having the time of her life until her shock exit from Madrid Open 2021. Over the past 8 months, she has won two Grand Slam titles at the US Open 2020 and most recently at the Australian Open this year. She even climbed up a spot in the rankings and became the second-best player in the world.

Recently, Naomi Osaka was competing at the Mutua Madrid Open. Unfortunately for her, she lost in the Round of 32 matches and her struggles on the clay courts continued. She lost to Karolina Muchova in three close-fought sets, 4-6, 6-3, 1-6 in a match that lasted for close to two hours.

After the match, she posted a picture on Instagram with the caption, “Caught an L today but beyond happy with how hard I fought and very grateful for the team I have around me. I already know something good is coming for me, so I’ll keep putting my head down and working hard. Tomorrow is a new day! Thank you guys for the support.”

Venus Williams backs Naomi Osaka after an early exit in Madrid

Osaka has found support in American legend Venus Williams, who came across her post and commented, “Next One”. The message from Williams was loud and clear, indicating Naomi to shrug off the disappointment and focus on the next tournament.

During her career, along with success, Williams has been through her fair share of losses which have led to disappointments. Being on Tour for so long, her experience is greater than most of the current crop of players. In the past, she has bounced back to winning ways, and keeping that in mind, she lent her support to the Japanese starlet.

Moving on to tennis this season, Venus was herself competing at the Mutua Madrid Open but lost to Australian Open finalist Jennifer Brady in the opening round. Similarly, Naomi Osaka lost in the early stages of the tournament too. Her next stop will be in Rome, to compete for the final WTA 1000 clay-court event of the season.

Also Read: “Happy With How Hard I Fought”: Naomi Osaka Remains Positive Despite Tragic Defeat at Mutua Madrid Open 2021