Naomi Osaka faced a disappointing first-round loss to Angelique Kerber at the Paris Olympics, with a score of 7-5, 6-3. Despite the defeat, Osaka remains hopeful about regaining her form and becoming the dominant player she once was.
“I guess I need to learn how to win again,” Osaka admitted. “Maybe I have to keep playing matches against really good players to relearn that.”
Osaka, 26, hoped for a better performance compared to the Tokyo Olympics, where she felt immense pressure performing in her home country. This pressure, coupled with recent struggles, made her more reflective about her current state.
Injury and Struggles
During the match, Osaka turned her left leg awkwardly, leading to a hyperextension. She took painkillers to manage the discomfort but acknowledged the lingering pain. “I took a painkiller, so when it wears off, I’ll let you know. I felt a pinch while I was playing,” she explained.
Kerber’s Perspective
For Angelique Kerber, a silver medalist in Rio 2016, the victory was significant as she plans to retire after these Games. “To win a match like this against Naomi, who is such a great champion — that means a lot,” Kerber said. “I just tried to enjoy every moment. I’m just looking forward to having another dance.”
Osaka’s Journey and Mental Health
Osaka’s rise in tennis saw her winning two championships each at the U.S. Open and Australian Open from 2018 to 2021, becoming the highest-paid female athlete in any sport. However, at the 2021 French Open, Osaka revealed her struggles with anxiety and depression, taking mental health breaks that inspired many athletes to discuss these issues openly.
After stepping away from the tour during her pregnancy, Osaka returned in 2023, showing flashes of her best form at the French Open. However, her recent performances indicate that she is still on the path to rediscovering her peak.
Match Analysis
Against Kerber, Osaka struggled with her strokes, committing 30 unforced errors compared to Kerber’s 11. Despite her powerful serve and forehand, she acknowledged that her serve could have been better. “But I feel like that’s never an excuse to lose,” Osaka noted.
Looking Forward
Osaka remains hopeful about her journey back to top form. Reflecting on her performance, she said, “I honestly felt like I could have done better today.” With her determination and past success, fans and the tennis world will be watching closely as she works to reclaim her place at the top.
