USA Today via Reuters
Aug 19, 2021; Mason, OH, USA; Naomi Osaka (JPN) reacts during a match against Jil Teichmann (SUI) during the Western and Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 19, 2021; Mason, OH, USA; Naomi Osaka (JPN) reacts during a match against Jil Teichmann (SUI) during the Western and Southern Open at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
The 2018 Indian Wells winner, Naomi Osaka suffered a shocking loss in the second round at this year’s tournament against Veronika Kudermetova. Earlier, the Japanese player started well as she won the first round match against former US Open winner Sloane Stephens. However, in the second-round match, her performance let her down, as she lost to the 21st seed. However, after the match, an interesting thing occurred, as she asked for the microphone to say a few words to the crowd.
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Reuters
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 19, 2022 Japan’s Naomi Osaka in action during her second round match against Madison Brengle of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Naomi Osaka sends a message to the crowd in tears
After losing to Veronika Kudermetova 0-6, 4-6, Naomi Osaka was in tears. Interestingly, she asked for the microphone, as she wanted to have a word with the crowd. The Japanese player was in tears, as she spoke about an issue about getting heckled by the crowd.
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“Hi, I just wanted to say thank you, I feel like I’ve cried enough, I just wanted to say, um, to be honest, I’ve gotten heckled before, but it didn’t really bother me, but, um it’s like heckled here like I’ve watched a video of Venus and Serena getting heckled here and if you never watched it you should watch it. I don’t know why, but into my head, it got replayed a lot… I just wanted to say thank you and congratulations (pointing at her opponent), and thank you,” Naomi said after losing to the Russian player.
Naomi Osaka asked for the microphone after her loss against Veronika Kudermetova. Here's what she said. pic.twitter.com/0Pj9WnNe4t
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) March 13, 2022
Osaka’s nightmare continues
After a disappointing end to 2021, Osaka hoped for a better start in 2022. However, things are not working out as she would have liked. Earlier, she lost to Amanda Anisimova, in the third round at the Australian Open. However, she felt her performance was getting better, despite losing the match.
At the Indian Wells Masters 1000, the four-time Grand Slam champion also had a tough battle in the first round, as she beat Sloane Stephens in three thrilling sets. At the press conference following her first-round win, she spoke about playing lesser matches on the tour, as she is slowly getting back.
However, there could be a downside to this. With a lack of match practices, she might face plenty of problems as the season goes along, especially during the Major. Having received a wildcard entry at the Miami Open as well, she has one more chance to bounce back before the onset of the clay season.
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How will Osaka fare in Miami? Let us know in the comments.
Written by
Edited by
Niranjan Deodhar