Naomi Osaka Says She’s ‘Honestly Not Disappointed’ After U.S. Open Loss: ‘Maybe I’m Just Getting Older’

Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka Says She’s ‘Honestly Not Disappointed’ After U.S. Open Loss: ‘Maybe I’m Just Getting Older’

Naomi Osaka is looking at the bigger picture following her exit from the U.S. Open.

During her post-match press conference, the tennis star reflected on handling losses differently than she has in the past. While Osaka admitted she was disappointed that she couldn’t accomplish what she set out to do on the court, she said her perspective has shifted when she considers what’s most important in her life.

“I think I’m happy I’m taking losses differently. I’m trying to learn from them a lot more,” Osaka explained. “Today if I was to say I’m sad, I was sad that I couldn’t push off on my foot. I’m sad I couldn’t do what I set out to do. But for me if I think about my life, my daughter is healthy. Everyone in my family is great. I had an opportunity to play this Slam. I got as far as I could. It’s only up from here I guess.”

Osaka also acknowledged that her reaction to losing feels different these days. “I’m honestly not disappointed now. It’s a very strange feeling,” she said, adding that she wasn’t particularly disappointed following her exit last year either. “Maybe I’m just getting older, but I don’t feel sad.”

The four-time Grand Slam champion also showed that she hasn’t lost her playful side. When asked whether she had more surprise looks planned had she advanced further in the tournament, Osaka laughed and admitted, “I think there’s always something.”

She added that experimenting with her looks is one way she can “have fun” and keep herself excited while competing.