“I don’t feel sad. It’s really weird. Well, it’s not weird, because I just feel like I did the best that I could,” Naomi Osaka said after her semifinal exit at this year’s US Open. Since parting ways with Patrick Mouratoglou and teaming up with Tomasz Wiktorowski, Iga Swiatek’s former coach, Naomi Osaka’s game seemed reborn under New York’s bright lights. But destiny twisted cruelly; her US Open heroics gave way to a shocking fall in Beijing, stunned by world No.130 Aliaksandra Sasnovich. Now, rising from the ashes in Wuhan, her fire burns again, yet fans remain divided as her reinvented game fuels fierce debate.

In a gripping three-set thriller, Naomi Osaka clawed her way past 2021 US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 at the Wuhan Open. The comeback queen once again showcased her resilience, securing her seventh win of 2025 after dropping the opening set, matching her personal best from 2019.

With this victory, Osaka has now triumphed in 12 of her last 15 matches, reaffirming her growing rhythm on tour. She thundered down 9 aces to Fernandez’s 4, winning 69% of her first-serve points and amassing 104 total points across a punishing contest. Her serve held strong through 67 service games, marking her 33rd win of the season.

Yet, despite the grit and numbers, the victory didn’t silence her skeptics. Fans took to social media to dissect her revamped gameplay, questioning her form and tactical shifts. For Osaka, however, this win was another step in a season defined by defiance, proof that her fire still burns, even through doubt and scrutiny.

Fans slam Naomi Osaka despite her Wuhan Open victory

As Naomi Osaka battled her way through a tense three-setter at the Wuhan Open, the WTA’s official X handle captured the moment. “Battling back 👊 After losing the first set, @naomiosaka is up 4-2 over Fernandez in the second,” the post read. But instead of praise, a storm brewed. Fans unleashed criticism with no hesitation. One viewer snapped, “Osaka looks like doesn’t even want to be in the match. Doesn’t try to move to some shots. Weird.”

Moments later, as the WTA posted Osaka’s winning clip: “A first win in Wuhan 🙌 @naomiosaka overcomes Fernandez 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in Round 1”, the comment section turned fiery. Another fan chimed in harshly, “Overrated and boring. Keys better,” drawing a comparison to American Madison Keys. What should have been a celebration of resilience turned into a debate about Osaka’s intensity and aura on court.

The Tennis Letter soon joined in, sharing, “Osaka d. Fernandez 4-6 7-5 6-3 in Wuhan. The only time these two met was back at the 2021 US Open where Leylah won en route to reaching the final. ✅Won 12 of last 15 ✅33rd win of 2025. It’s been a pleasure to watch Naomi compete at a high level this year.” But even that sentiment met cynicism. “Not even a little smile or a little fist pump from Naomi, was she channelling Rybakina?” one fan asked, referencing Elena Rybakina’s stoic demeanor who recently lost to Eva Lys in Beijing in R32.

Critics piled on relentlessly. “She’s just not exciting this year,” wrote another, while one particularly harsh voice added, “No it hasn’t. Most overrated and boring athlete of all time.” The tone online was brutal, almost dismissive of her effort, as if the scoreline meant little next to perceptions of her passion and energy.

Now, as Osaka moves into the R32, the path only gets steeper. Up next stands 20-year-old Czech prodigy Linda Noskova, the youngest Czech finalist at a WTA 1000 event since 1990. 

For Osaka, it’s another test, a chance to silence the noise and prove once again that resilience, not approval, defines a champion’s heart.