Osaka, after her defeat: "I'm not sad, I feel like I did everything I could"

Andrés Tomás Rico | 5 Sep 2025 | 08.20

Osaka, after her defeat: "I'm not sad, I feel like I did everything I could." Photo: Getty Images

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With honey on her lips, Naomi Osaka remained after a great journey in this US Open. The Japanese player once again showed herself as that solid and fearsome tennis player, capable of defeating anyone. Her emotional stability was also a factor that helped her rediscover her game, making her smile and enjoy on the tennis court. However, it wasn't enough to beat Amanda Anisimova (7-6(4), 6-7(3), 3-6), although she came very close to reaching the final of the American major.

Osaka leaves New York as the 14th in the WTA ranking, and particularly with feelings that reaffirm her as a tennis player to be reckoned with. Despite her defeat, the Japanese player remained very positive in the post-match press conference. She assessed her US Open, praised Anisimova's game, talked about her goals for the rest of the year, as well as about the tough last season, and her development with Tomasz Wiktorowski.

Happy after giving her all

"Honestly, I'm not sad because I feel like I did everything I could. Honestly, it's inspiring for me because it makes me want to train and try to improve, and hopefully, yes, give my best again and see what happens. But I think I can't be angry with myself."

About Anisimova's unpredictable tennis

"I wouldn't say it's more challenging than expected because I knew what type of player she is. Sometimes it was a bit funny because there's no pattern in what she does. It's like she just hits the ball, and it usually goes in. So, yes, obviously she made it to the final of Wimbledon and now she's in the final here, which shows she's a really good player."

"I think she's the opposite of me because I feel like I don't try to hit hard. When I play, I observe my opponent and maybe the pace gets stronger. It depends on the pace you give me; I play a bit differently with each person. I just know I have to be aggressive with her because obviously, if I give her a softer ball, she's going to crush it."

About the missed opportunity at 4-4 in the second set

"You can only live and learn, and in my case, obviously, I didn't remember it until you mentioned it, so now I'm thinking about it. I came to this match knowing she's one of the best returners in the world. Obviously, I feel I'm one of the best servers. It's a bit unfortunate, but I can't say either that I've played many matches in the semifinals of a Grand Slam since I returned. I'd say she has a bit more experience than me."

A hard court tour that gives her confidence for the rest of the year

"Even at my worst, I never played a tournament thinking I was going to lose in the first round. If I participate in a tournament, I want to win. So, I would say going far in the US Open was certainly a boost for my confidence. How well I did in Montreal was also a confidence boost, but the season isn't over yet. Honestly, I've gone a little further than I thought. I just wanted to be seeded in the Grand Slams, but now I don't know what position I'm in, and I still think I'm rising. Obviously, I want to do well in Australia. I always play well there. So, my goal now is to do well on the Asian tour and finish the rest of the year on a high."

Positive balance of a year that has gone from worse to better

"I think everything is a process. Obviously, this is my second tournament with Tomasz. I have to take that into account. I have to understand what my level is, what I was able to achieve last year, and I think if I put it all into perspective, I feel I did very well this year. Also, I like to grow year after year. Even before playing this tournament, I had already exceeded my expectations. My worst year is someone else's best year, in retrospect. So I just have to find ways to trick my mind to be positive."

She overcame a forgettable 2024 through hard work and effort

"I think the hardest thing for me, honestly, has been the mindset. I found it very difficult to overcome last year's slump and even the beginning of this year, and to be very humble and accept it. Even playing a Challenger at the beginning of the year was a bit tough for me. I just know I love this sport. I want to play matches. I want to play on Arthur Ashe and do whatever it takes to get there. I think being willing to accept the effort is something I've worked very hard on," states a Naomi Osaka who, despite her defeat in the US Open semifinals, has regained her tennis, and that is the best news she can take from New York.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Osaka, tras su derrota: "No estoy triste, siento que hice todo lo que pude"