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Osaka holds heartbreaking news conference after opening-round loss
Susan Mullane-Imagn Images

Naomi Osaka wore pink hair accessories inspired by sakura—cherry blossoms—as she walked into the press room at Roland Garros. Streaks of dried tears still marked her cheeks after a tough first-round loss to Paula Badosa . It was a difficult moment for the Japanese star, both emotionally and professionally.

Clearly frustrated by her performance, Osaka didn’t hold back. During the news conference, she used strong language, even dropping an F-bomb while expressing her disappointment. Her red, swollen eyes revealed the depth of her emotion as she spoke.

I hate disappointing people. Even with Patrick I was thinking just now that he goes from working with like the greatest player ever to like… what the f*** this is.

Naomi Osaka said in her Roland Garros post-match news conference

After answering a few questions, Osaka became overwhelmed and stepped out of the room briefly. The match had started with promise but slipped away, ending in a 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-4 defeat to the 10th-seeded Badosa.

Just a year ago, Osaka had held match point against Iga Swiatek in the third round of the same tournament. Since then, despite winning the WTA 125K title in Saint-Malo, her progress has stalled. This latest loss added to a challenging comeback journey.

Paula Badosa reveals her motivation during comeback win over Naomi Osaka

Spanish tennis star Paula Badosa credited Rafael Nadal as her source of inspiration after a hard-fought comeback win over Naomi Osaka in the first round of the 2025 French Open. The Spanish player lost the opening set, allowing Osaka to gain early control of the match. But Badosa remained composed and determined to turn things around.

To get inspiration from Rafa. I’m like ‘Come on Paula, you have to fight like he was.’ Thanks Rafa. We really miss you.

Paula Badosa said in her post-match interview

The 27-year-old responded with a stunning fightback, taking advantage of Osaka’s unforced errors and hitting powerful winners. She won the second and third sets with confidence, eventually closing the match 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-4. Her performance marked a strong start to her Roland Garros campaign.

After the match, Badosa revealed a unique moment of motivation. She said she looked at a courtside tribute to Nadal after dropping the first set. That small gesture reminded her of his fighting spirit, and she drew mental strength from it to battle through the rest of the match.

Meanwhile, Nadal has been honored at Roland Garros for his legendary achievements. The 14-time French Open champion was given a special tribute at this year’s event, marking his incredible success over two decades. The organizers kept the ceremony a surprise, making it a touching moment for fans and players alike.

Naomi Osaka crashes out of Roland Garros

Paula Badosa pulled off a stunning upset at the French Open, defeating Naomi Osaka in a gripping three-set match. The Spanish player overcame the four-time Grand Slam champion with a scoreline of 6-7(1), 6-1, 6-4. It was a high-intensity clash that kept fans on the edge of their seats from start to finish.

Despite recent concerns over a back injury, Badosa stepped onto the court with determination. She showed impressive form and resilience, pushing through the match with consistent energy and confidence. Her strong performance made it clear she was ready to compete at the highest level.

The first set was a close contest, with both players pushing hard and exchanging heavy shots. Although Badosa served well, Osaka managed to edge out the set in a tie-break. But the momentum quickly shifted. Badosa dominated the second set, controlling the rallies and unsettling her opponent.

In the deciding set, the match turned into a mental and physical battle. Osaka took an early lead, but Badosa responded with steady focus and strong shot-making. She broke Osaka’s serve at a crucial moment and held her nerve to seal the win. With this victory, Badosa moves into the next round, where she’ll face either Elena-Gabriela Ruse or McCartney Kessler.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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