Naomi Osaka Faces Backlash After Canadian Open Performance
Naomi Osaka faced backlash from sections of her fanbase following her performance at the 2025 Canadian Open, where she notably neglected to congratulate her opponent, Victoria Mboko, after their final match in Montreal. Osaka was competing in her first WTA 1000 final in over three years, marking a significant return to competitive tennis since her maternity leave began early in 2024.
Match Highlights
In this pivotal match, the four-time Grand Slam winner started strong, securing the first set 6-2 and exhibiting some of her best play since her last major championship victory at the Australian Open in 2021. However, her momentum faltered during the latter half of the match, leading to a surprising collapse where she ultimately lost to 18-year-old Mboko, with a final score of 6-2, 4-6, 1-6. This defeat was particularly disappointing for Osaka, as it marked her most significant final since returning to the tour.
Mboko’s Achievement
For Mboko, claiming her first WTA title on home turf was a monumental achievement, particularly as she had idolized Osaka during her youth. This context made Osaka’s failure to acknowledge Mboko’s victory seem even more disappointing to fans.
Post-Match Reactions
After the match, Osaka expressed her emotions during the trophy presentation, but many criticized her for not offering the typical congratulations to her opponent, sparking outrage on social media. Some fans accused Osaka of being inconsiderate or self-absorbed, while others hinted at a deliberate attempt to overshadow Mboko’s milestone moment.
During her press conference, Osaka addressed the incident, stating, “I think Victoria played really well. I completely forgot to congratulate her on the court. Yeah, I mean, she did really amazing.”
While she clarified her sentiments, her comments appeared to arise from the reporter’s prompt regarding the ceremony rather than directly acknowledging her oversight during the post-match celebration.
The Broader Issue
The vitriol Osaka faced online reflects a broader issue within the sport, where players are often subjected to harsh criticism and abuse from fans. Osaka, who has been vocal in advocating for mental health awareness, acknowledged the challenge of navigating online negativity, even after years of high-profile competition. This sentiment was echoed recently by fellow players like Elina Svitolina, who shared disturbing messages she received post-defeat, highlighting the toxic culture surrounding sports betting and fan entitlement.
The incident serves as a reminder of the pressures athletes face both on and off the court, and the importance of mental well-being in sports amidst public scrutiny and online hostility.
