Naomi Osaka Branded 'Overrated' Minutes After Stunning Leylah Fernandez at Wuhan Open

Yet, despite the grit and numbers, the victory didn’t silence her skeptics. Fans took to social media to dissect her revamped gameplay, questioning her form and tactical shifts. For Osaka, however, this win was another step in a season defined by defiance, proof that her fire still burns, even through doubt and scrutiny.

Fans slam Naomi Osaka despite her Wuhan Open victory

As Naomi Osaka battled her way through a tense three-setter at the Wuhan Open, the WTA’s official X handle captured the moment. “Battling back

After losing the first set, @naomiosaka is up 4-2 over Fernandez in the second,” the post read. But instead of praise, a storm brewed. Fans unleashed criticism with no hesitation. One viewer snapped, “Osaka looks like doesn’t even want to be in the match. Doesn’t try to move to some shots. Weird.”

Moments later, as the WTA posted Osaka’s winning clip: “A first win in Wuhan

@naomiosaka overcomes Fernandez 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 in Round 1”, the comment section turned fiery. Another fan chimed in harshly, “Overrated and boring. Keys better,” drawing a comparison to American Madison Keys. What should have been a celebration of resilience turned into a debate about Osaka’s intensity and aura on court.

The Tennis Letter soon joined in, sharing, “Osaka d. Fernandez 4-6 7-5 6-3 in Wuhan. The only time these two met was back at the 2021 US Open where Leylah won en route to reaching the final.

Won 12 of last 15

33rd win of 2025. It’s been a pleasure to watch Naomi compete at a high level this year.” But even that sentiment met cynicism. “Not even a little smile or a little fist pump from Naomi, was she channelling Rybakina?” one fan asked, referencing Elena Rybakina’s stoic demeanor who recently lost to Eva Lys in Beijing in R32.

Critics piled on relentlessly. “She’s just not exciting this year,” wrote another, while one particularly harsh voice added, “No it hasn’t. Most overrated and boring athlete of all time.” The tone online was brutal, almost dismissive of her effort, as if the scoreline meant little next to perceptions of her passion and energy.

Now, as Osaka moves into the R32, the path only gets steeper. Up next stands 20-year-old Czech prodigy Linda Noskova, the youngest Czech finalist at a WTA 1000 event since 1990. 

For Osaka, it’s another test, a chance to silence the noise and prove once again that resilience, not approval, defines a champion’s heart.