Naomi Osaka Heartbroken After U.S. Open Loss: ‘My Heart Dies Every Time I Lose’

Naomi Osaka’s return to the US Open ended in heartbreak as she was defeated in the second round by Karolina Muchova. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who previously won the US Open in 2018 and 2020, was making her comeback to the tournament after missing last year’s event due to the birth of her daughter, Shai.

Osaka, 26, started strong, securing a significant victory against Jelena Ostapenko in the first round, marking her first major win in over four years. However, she couldn’t maintain the momentum, falling to the Czech player Muchova with a 6-3, 7-6 (7-5) loss after failing to convert three set points that could have pushed the match into a third set.

“It’s tough because I take these losses really personally. It might sound dramatic, but it feels like a part of me dies every time I lose,” Osaka admitted. “I’m trying to be more mature, to learn, and to talk more about how I’m feeling.”

Osaka had previously shared her struggles with finding her rhythm after returning from maternity leave. Despite competing in the WTA Tour, Wimbledon, the Australian Open, and the French Open this year, she has not advanced beyond the quarter-finals in any tournament.

Reflecting on her performance, Osaka described 2024 as a “learning year.” “It’s been challenging because I can only measure my progress by my results. I feel faster and better, but then I lose in the second round. It’s tough,” she said. “But I’ve enjoyed playing in more tournaments and visiting new cities.”

While her run at the US Open was cut short, Osaka continued to impress off the court with her standout fashion choices. Known for her eye-catching tennis outfits, she stole the spotlight with ensembles that matched the tennis balls she played with, complete with giant bows that added a stylish flair to her look.

“Very cutesy,” one fan commented, while another added, “Literally obsessed.”

Even in defeat, Osaka’s fashion game remained on point, proving that if you have to lose, you might as well look good doing it.