“I don’t feel sad”: Naomi Osaka explains surprising reaction after US Open exit against Elena Rybakina

Tuesday, 08 September 2026 at 08:30

Naomi Osaka had little time to process Elena Rybakina's match-point ace before watching it disappear past her, ending her US Open run in the fourth round. Her immediate reaction was strikingly calm, however, as the four-time Grand Slam champion accepted the shot rather than dwelling on what might have been.

The defeat also came with a physical problem. Osaka revealed that an Achilles issue had become significantly worse on the morning of the match, limiting her ability to push off on serve and causing pain when she landed.

Osaka was defending her semifinal run from 2025, meaning the 6-1, 6-4 loss will cost her more than 500 ranking points. She is set to fall from No. 13 to around No. 17, while Rybakina advances to face Zheng Qinwen with the chance to become world No. 1 if she wins the title.

Yet Osaka's biggest takeaway from New York was not disappointment. After reaching the fourth round for a second consecutive year, she spoke about having a different relationship with losses and about how much her perspective has changed since returning to tennis and becoming a mother.

“I don’t feel sad”

Osaka admitted she was physically compromised, with the Achilles problem already troubling her before it worsened on the morning of the match. “I like you guys using the word ‘compromise.’ Yes, I was compromised. I mean, the last match I played, I felt a lot in my leg, and then this morning, it just got a lot worse.”

The injury directly affected her serve, forcing Osaka to reduce her pace to make the landing less painful. “I can’t really push off like I want, and when I land, it hurts a little, so I was trying to figure out ways to minimize it. I thought if I served a little slower, the impact when I land would be less.”

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She had undergone an ultrasound before the match and another afterwards, with an MRI expected to provide more information about the problem. Osaka said she would be careful with her schedule during the Asian swing.

“Honestly, I don’t really know too much about what’s going on. Thankfully, we’re at the end of the year, so after the Asian swing, we do get two weeks off. So I’m just going to make do with the time that I have and try to be smart about the amount of matches I play.”

But despite the physical setback and the ranking points she will lose, Osaka did not sound particularly disappointed.

“Honestly, I’m not disappointed now. It’s a very strange feeling, I think. Last year I wasn’t that disappointed either because Amanda just played really insane, but yeah, maybe I’m just getting older, but I don’t feel sad.”

Naomi Osaka hitting a backhand at the US Open third round

Rybakina moves closer to No. 1

Rybakina's serve was ultimately one of the biggest differences between the two players, with Osaka admitting she needed more matches against players capable of imposing that kind of pressure.

“Obviously she’s one of the best servers in the world, so that was definitely really tough. And I didn’t think it was that bad.”

Then came the final point, with Rybakina sealing the victory with an ace that Osaka could only watch go past her.

“The immediate thought that I had in my head when she hit the ace, I was like, ‘Damn, well, I can’t really do anything about it.’ I watched it pass me, and at that point you’re like, well, she hit an amazing shot, great shot, and that was basically it.”

Elena Rybakina defeats Naomi Osaka and advances to the quarterfinals at the US Open 😤

If Rybakina advances to the semifinals, she will become the new world No. 1 👀 pic.twitter.com/yoKeS7XvE0
— ESPN (@espn) September 7, 2026

There was no regret from Osaka, who instead viewed the moment as another learning experience.

“If I had any regrets, no, maybe I could have covered it, but she has a great serve, so she probably would have hit the other way. So I just felt like I learned — when she hit that ace, I felt like I learned a lot.”

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Rybakina now turns her attention to Zheng and a potential rise to the top of the rankings. She is just one victory away from reaching world number one for the first time in her career.

Osaka, meanwhile, leaves New York with another second-week Grand Slam appearance and a perspective that seems increasingly removed from the pressure she once placed on herself. “I think I am happy that I’m taking losses differently. I’m trying to learn from them a lot more.”

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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