Naomi Osaka took a moment to laud Taylor Townsend after her impressive showing at the 2025 US Open, where she finished runner-up in the women’s doubles alongside Kateřina Siniaková. The four-time Grand Slam champion praised Townsend’s growing collection of trophies, only to receive a playful response that channeled pop star Rihanna.
How Did Taylor Townsend’s Run Unfold at Flushing Meadows, and What Did Naomi Osaka Have To Say About It?
Townsend’s journey in New York was one of her best all-around showings at a Major. In singles, she battled her way past Antonia Ružić, 25th seed Jeļena Ostapenko, and fifth seed Mirra Andreeva to make the Round of 16, equaling her career-best run at Flushing Meadows from 2019. Her campaign, however, ended in a three-set clash against 2024 Wimbledon winner Barbora Krejčíková.
Barbora Krejcikova completes the comeback! pic.twitter.com/Ryp2pKjVvL
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 31, 2025
Townsend also made noise in mixed doubles, partnering with compatriot Ben Shelton as a wildcard entry. The American duo reached the quarterfinals before falling 1-4, 4-5 (2) to Danielle Collins and Christian Harrison. Her strongest run came in women’s doubles, where she and Siniaková advanced to the championship match.
The pair, seeded first, fell 4-6, 4-6 to third seeds Erin Routliffe and Gabriela Dabrowski, marking Townsend’s fifth Grand Slam doubles final and her fourth alongside Siniaková.
Dabrowski and Routliffe reign supreme in New York, overcoming Siniakova/Townsend to claim the crown! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/HB62FMo6no
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2025
After the doubles final, Townsend shared a bunch of pictures on Instagram with Siniaková holding their runner-up trophy. Osaka couldn’t resist chiming in. “Your hardware collection grows every tournament, it’s sickening,” Osaka wrote in the comments.
Townsend fired back with a Rihanna-inspired quip: “@naomiosaka throw em up watch it all fall out* rihanna voice*.” The line echoed lyrics from Rihanna’s hit “Pour It Up.”
Screengrab of Naomi Osaka and Taylor Townsend’s comment on Instagram (@tay_taytownsend)
MORE: Naomi Osaka Addresses Jelena Ostapenko’s Taylor Townsend Remark – ‘One of the Worst Things To Say to a Black Tennis Player’
Meanwhile, Osaka’s resurgence, after her maternity leave, peaked at the 2025 US Open, where she reached the semifinals before falling to eventual runner-up Amanda Anisimova. The four-time Grand Slam champion cruised past Greet Minnen, Hailey Baptiste, Daria Kasatkina, 2023 champion Coco Gauff, and 11th seed Karolína Muchová before her run ended against Anisimova.
In mixed doubles, Osaka paired with Gaël Monfils as wild cards but lost their opener to Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti in the Fast Four format.
AloJapan.com