LOS ANGELES — Tennis star Naomi Osaka has released a statement addressing the backlash she received after failing to mention her opponent, Victoria Mboko, in her post-match speech following a surprising loss at the Mubadala Citi DC Open earlier this week.
The four-time Grand Slam champion, who was making her return to competitive tennis after a 15-month maternity break, faced criticism from fans and commentators for omitting any acknowledgment of Mboko, a 17-year-old Canadian qualifier who defeated her in straight sets (6-4, 6-2). Osaka’s speech, which lasted just 30 seconds, focused primarily on her own performance and gratitude toward the tournament organizers.
The Backlash and Osaka’s Response
Social media erupted with reactions, with many accusing Osaka of poor sportsmanship. Tennis analyst Ben Rothenberg tweeted, "Naomi Osaka is usually one of the most gracious players on tour, but failing to mention your opponent—especially a young qualifier who just pulled off the biggest win of her career—is a glaring omission."
On Thursday, Osaka addressed the controversy in a statement posted to her Instagram Stories: "I want to sincerely apologize to Victoria Mboko for not mentioning her in my speech. It was never my intention to overlook her incredible performance."
She continued, "Coming back to the tour has been an emotional journey, and in that moment, I was caught up in my own thoughts. That doesn’t excuse it, and I’ll do better moving forward."
Mboko’s Reaction
Mboko, currently ranked No. 225 in the world, handled the situation with maturity. In her post-match press conference, she said, "I respect Naomi so much. She’s been an inspiration to me. I was just focused on playing my best tennis, and I’m grateful for the opportunity."
The teenager, who went on to lose in the next round, later tweeted a photo of herself with Osaka, captioning it: "Dream come true to share the court with a legend. Thank you for the match, @naomiosaka!"
A Pattern of Post-Match Controversies?
This isn’t the first time Osaka has faced scrutiny over her post-match conduct. In 2021, she was criticized for a brief, tearful speech after losing to Leylah Fernandez at the US Open, where she also did not acknowledge her opponent. However, supporters argue that Osaka’s struggles with anxiety and mental health—which led to her taking multiple breaks from tennis—should be considered.
Key moments in Osaka’s history with post-match speeches:
- 2020 US Open: Praised opponent Jennifer Brady after their final, calling her "super nice" and "incredibly talented."
- 2021 French Open: Withdrew mid-tournament, citing depression and anxiety.
- 2022 Australian Open: Gave a heartfelt tribute to Danielle Collins after their semifinal.
The Broader Conversation on Sportsmanship
The incident has reignited debates about post-match etiquette in tennis. While some argue that players should always acknowledge their opponents, others believe the emotional toll of losing—especially after a long hiatus—can explain oversights.
Former player and ESPN analyst Pam Shriver weighed in: "It’s a tough balance. Players are human, and losses sting. But part of the job is showing respect, even in defeat. Naomi’s apology shows she understands that."
Conclusion
Osaka’s statement appears to have quelled much of the criticism, with many fans praising her accountability. The 26-year-old, who has been open about her mental health struggles, remains one of the most influential figures in sports.
As she continues her comeback, all eyes will be on her next tournament—the Canadian Open—where she’ll look to regain her form and, perhaps, deliver a more inclusive post-match speech if the occasion arises.
"I’m learning every day," Osaka wrote in her statement. "Thank you to everyone who holds me accountable and supports me through the highs and lows."