Two-time U.S Open champion Naomi Osaka’s highly anticipated comeback to the Grand Slam stage came to a premature end on Wednesday, as she fell to Czech player Karolina Muchova in the second round. The defeat has left the Japanese star grappling with intense emotions, highlighting the mental challenges faced by elite athletes.
Osaka, who won the title in 2018 and 2020, had been absent from last year’s tournament following the birth of her daughter, Shai. Her return to the US Open was marked by an impressive first-round victory over Jelena Ostapenko, her first win against a top-10 player in over four years. However, the 26-year-old couldn’t maintain the momentum against Muchova, succumbing to a 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) defeat.
In a candid post-match interview, Osaka revealed the profound impact losses have on her psyche. “It’s a little rough because I do take these losses really personally,” she admitted. “It’s like a dramatic word, but I feel like my heart dies every time I lose.” The four-time Grand Slam champion’s words offer a glimpse into the intense pressure and emotional toll experienced by players at the highest level of the sport.
Despite the disappointment, Osaka remains reflective about her journey. She described 2024 as a “learning year,” acknowledging the challenges of gauging her progress solely through results. “It’s been a little difficult because obviously I can only gauge how I’m doing by results. Like, I feel faster. I feel better, but I lost in the second round. So it’s a little rough,” she said. The former world number one also added, “But, also, it’s been fun playing a lot of tournaments. It’s been a commitment for sure, but I’ve been able to go to different cities that I’ve never been to.”
The match against Muchova was not without its dramatic moments. Osaka found herself on the brink of forcing a deciding third set, holding three set points. However, she was unable to capitalise on these opportunities, eventually succumbing in a tiebreak. The frustration was evident as Osaka threw her racquet down after Muchova leveled the score at 5-5 in the second set.
For Karolina Muchova, the 2023 French Open runner-up, the victory over Osaka was “the cherry on top” of her own comeback story. The Czech player, who reached the semi-finals at last year’s U.S Open before being sidelined for 10 months due to a wrist injury requiring surgery, expressed gratitude for her ability to compete again. “This year, the biggest win for me is that I could play again. I’m really grateful I am able to play tennis and I made it here,” Muchova stated.
As Muchova advances to face Anastasia Potapova in the third round, Osaka is left to reflect on her journey back to competitive tennis.
Melissa Enoch
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