"I won my second Slam after I won my first": Naomi Osaka's blunt retort about Emma Raducanu comparison prior to defeat
WTA
Naomi Osaka was well beaten today by a superb Emma Raducanu who saw off the former World No.1 6-4, 6-2 at the DC Open in Washington.
But did comments pre match come back to bite her. She was asked about comparisons to Raducanu which she promptly brushed off. She said that there can't be comparisons made as she went on to win many more Grand Slams after her first.
While clarified by the journalist, it was perhaps an easy question for Osaka to brush away given the content before she then lost.
“I won my second Slam after I won my first Slam,” she said prior to their match which the Brit won earlier today.
It was then asked to try and navigate the question further about how she suddenly rose to become a celebrity after winning a Grand Slam kind of like Osaka did. Albeit the former World No.1 as she ascertained continued to win.
The Japanese ace said that she feels for her in terms of how she has been treated though on a less blunt note. “I mean, honestly, I feel like for her, it must be really tough, because I read online, like, she had a stalker.
“I don't know if it's allowed to say out loud. I don't really know. I saw in Dubai or something there was - honestly, I really feel sad for her, because that video was, like, one of the most saddest videos I've ever seen.
“And I just hope she has a lot of really good people around her. I think that there must be a lot of pressure from - I don't know how British media is, but they don't really seem the kindest. I think she's navigating it really well.”
Emma Raducanu prevailed in their battle today.
Albeit having followed her journey, Osaka said that it was cool that their paths have finally crossed. It was a first meeting between the pair.
“I have seen her, I guess when she first did well at Wimbledon before she won the US Open, like moments like that, and I knew she was a good player. So I guess for our paths to finally cross is really cool,” the former No. 1 said.
It perhaps could be said that Raducanu had the last laugh in the end. But also Osaka has never been one to particularly hold back from questioning that perhaps is searching for a specific soundbite in a press conference and dismissing that.
Raducanu moves on albeit with some question marks
She now moves on to Canada while Raducanu continues in Washington. The Brit had previously said earlier this week about struggling to develop from the rigours of clay to grass to hard courts. In reality she has barely played certain surfaces as she hasn't strung together a full season really since the US Open.
So seeing her back in the States injury free as such apart from the back issue that lingers around her over recent months is very much one of intrigue. She has also enlisted the help of Mark Petchey albeit the call has been there from others that she needs to find perhaps a full-time solution.
He has worked wonders but also his work with Tennis Channel and ESPN means that he would rather take the stable income than throw it away for a coaching job. Perhaps understandable but means that Raducanu gets peaks and troughs.
From grass where Petchey barely worked a broadcast schedule so he could help her to now where of course Tennis Channel showing all these events means that he is needed. So while she is still winning there are still factors that perhaps need addressing.
For Osaka, it is continuing to find what she had before which is proving difficult to find. Unlike Raducanu who returned at the similar time albeit through injury over becoming a mother, she hasn't found that switch yet to get back to her best which has frustrated her and a loss like this will do so again.
Read also
Match Statistics Raducanu vs. Osaka
| Raducanu | VS | Osaka |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 4 | Aces | 5 |
| 1 | Double Faults | 7 |
| 68% (39/57) | 1st Service Percentage | 46% (24/52) |
| 74% (29/39) | 1st Service Points Won | 88% (21/24) |
| 61% (11/18) | 2nd Service Points Won | 32% (9/28) |
| 100% (2/2) | Break Points Saved | 25% (1/4) |
| 100% (9/9) | Service Games | 67% (6/9) |
| Return | ||
| 13% (3/24) | 1st Return Points Won | 26% (10/39) |
| 68% (19/28) | 2nd Return Points Won | 39% (7/18) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 1h 21m | Match Duration | 1h 21m |
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 8visitors 5
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.
mandoist31-10-2026 - Osaka's mental state apparently does not allow her to reach any more Quarter Finals? I mean, she doesn't really have the time for tennis with all the pre-planning that must go into her 12 year-old "fashion" goals.mandoist29-10-2026
- With her money one would think she could afford a better team of Psychiatrists?mandoist29-10-2026
- Boss move, Sinner !Rapunzel27-10-2026
- Apparently still refusing to seek 'help' ...and still playing Dress-Up like a 10 year-old.mandoist27-10-2026
- Lena... Takin' care of businessmandoist25-10-2026
- Can you please stop publishing this nonsense? Stick to Tennis.mandoist25-10-2026
- Does Sinner need that 4.5 mil? I doubt it. He can make that with three modelling gigs!😅🤣Rapunzel21-10-2026
- Did "People Magazine" purchase this website? This nonstop storyline is bullshit.mandoist21-10-2026
