Naomi Osaka apologises to title-winning teenager Victoria Mboko after controversial runners-up speech attracts backlash

Naomi Osaka apologises to title-winning teenager Victoria Mboko after controversial runners-up speech attracts backlash

Revealed on: Aug 09, 2025 01:43 pm IST

Naomi Osaka took to her social media account to concern an apology to Victoria Mboko, who defeated the four-time Grand Slam winner within the Canadian Open closing.

Naomi Osaka discovered herself on the centre of an issue following her slim loss to Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko within the Canadian Open closing. After storming to a commanding first-set victory, Osaka appeared poised to seize her first title since returning to skilled tennis. Nonetheless, Mboko’s relentless spirit and resilience noticed her overturn the deficit, sealing a powerful three-set win that thrilled the house crowd.

Victoria Mboko of Canada addresses the spectators following her victory in opposition to Naomi Osaka of Japan(Getty Pictures through AFP)

The Canadian Open closing marked a big second for each gamers. Whereas the highlight rightly belonged to Mboko’s gorgeous breakthrough, Osaka unintentionally drew consideration for her temporary and considerably rushed post-match on-court speech. In a second many discovered uncommon, Osaka did not publicly congratulate Mboko, sparking criticism and leaving followers questioning her sportsmanship.

The 27-year-old’s emotional state after a hard-fought loss doubtless contributed to the quick speech, however on this planet of high-stakes tennis, each phrase counts.

Recognising the backlash, Osaka took to social media to clear the air and prolong her congratulations correctly. Posting on Threads, she wrote: “Thanks Montreal, it’s been a very nice run. I additionally need to express regret and congratulations to Victoria. You performed an ideal match and have a tremendous profession forward! I notice I didn’t congratulate you on the court docket.”

Osaka additionally defined the explanations behind her temporary speech in the identical put up.

“Actually I used to be in a daze and I used to be so targeted on not having the identical speech as IW 2018 finals or the Jenny/Jennifer scenario that I attempted to make my speech as quick as attainable. Thanks everybody for the week, see you in NY.”

Regardless of an inconsistent 2025 season, Osaka stays a formidable presence on the WTA Tour. Her pedigree as a four-time Grand Slam champion ensures she shall be among the many contenders heading into the US Open later this yr. The ladies’s draw has been unpredictable in recent times, with no participant efficiently defending the US Open title since Serena Williams in 2014.

Mboko, in the meantime, is quickly rising as one of many giant-killers on the circuit. She shocked 4 Grand Slam champions en path to her maiden title win on the Canadian Open. Within the semis, she defeated Elena Rybakina, whereas additionally toppling top-seed Coco Gauff earlier within the event.

Keep up to date with the most recent sports activities information, together with newest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, the place Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all of the motion from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, observe your favorite soccer groups and gamers with the most recent match outcomes, and get the most recent on worldwide hockey tournaments and sequence.

Keep up to date with the most recent sports activities information, together with newest headlines and updates from the Olympics 2024, the place Indian athletes will compete for glory in Paris. Catch all of the motion from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, observe your favorite soccer groups and gamers with the most recent match outcomes, and get the most recent on worldwide hockey tournaments and sequence.

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