Andy Roddick has thrown his support behind Naomi Osaka after she was criticised for her curt runner-up speech following a 6-4, 4-6, 1-6 loss to Victoria Mboko in the Montreal Open 2025 final. Osaka’s remarks, which thanked her team and organisers but omitted any mention of Mboko, drew backlash online.
Roddick, who won the US Open title in 2003, said tennis players are often expected to speak moments after a defeat, when emotions are raw, and that demanding polished, expansive comments in such situations is unreasonable.
‘Osaka is generally well-liked, polite’
Roddick underscored Osaka’s reputation as a respected and well-liked figure in the sport, arguing that her everyday conduct towards fellow players carries more weight than formalities on stage. For Roddick, a subdued speech in the heat of the moment should not overshadow a player’s sportsmanship or relationships within the tennis community.
“She didn’t really want to expand a lot in the post-match speeches. I see people are saying ‘she should’ve said’, I don’t know, we’re the only sport that is forced to talk after we lose. Obviously, we’re not our best selves in that situation, and if people are, great, if they’re not, they’re not,” Roddick said in an episode of his podcast.
“I would rather her be friendly with Victoria Mboko all the time than at Grandstand in front of a microphone. I don’t know if either is true, but Naomi [Osaka] is generally well-liked, polite, everyone likes her, and she doesn’t give a lot sometimes when she’s not ready to give a lot, and that’s fine,” Roddick added.
Osaka enjoyed a resurgent run in Montreal, advancing to her first WTA 1000 final since Miami in 2022. She overpowered Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-2 in the quarterfinals before edging Clara Tauson 6-2, 7-6 (9) in the semis. In the title clash, Osaka claimed the opening set 6-4 but was ultimately denied by 18-year-old Victoria Mboko in a hard-fought finale.
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Published By:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published On:
Aug 9, 2025
AloJapan.com