Naomi Osaka defeated Greet Minnen in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, to book her place in the second round of the US Open, but she wasn’t entirely happt with her performance
16:37 ET, 27 Aug 2025Updated 16:38 ET, 27 Aug 2025
Naomi Osaka said (Image: Robert Prange, Getty Images)
Tennis sensation Naomi Osaka had plenty to be happy about after progressing to the second round of the US Open, but the world’s 23rd-ranked player admitted she could do with a better attitude. Meanwhile, Novak Djokovic confessed he’s “not really happy” at Flushing Meadows despite booking a spot in the third round on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Osaka triumphed over Greet Minnen in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, while sporting a dazzling ruby-red sequin outfit that quickly became a fan favorite. Just a few days earlier, she and Gael Monfils were defeated by Caty McNally and Lorenzo Musetti, 5-3, 4-2, in the mixed doubles tournament.
In her post-match press conference following the swift victory that lasted just one hour and 23 minutes, Osaka expressed a wish to have enjoyed her time on the court more.
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“I think, honestly, I could have had a better attitude,” she confessed.
“Like, I was just very stressed. It was the first round, and this tournament means a lot to me. I really wanted to win.
“I wish I thought more about, like, the process rather than the result, but I’m glad I was able to win.”
However, it seemed like Osaka was putting too much pressure on herself early in the second set as her performance noticeably declined. It was only when she started to unwind and relax that her game improved.
Naomi Osaka defeated Greet Minnen in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4(Image: Getty)
“Yeah, I mean, I think for me towards the end of the match I honestly wasn’t really focused on my play anymore,” Osaka revealed.
“I was just focused on having a really consistent attitude and just putting balls in the court at a, I guess, higher speed. I feel like she was more aggressive than I anticipated.
“I don’t know. I was a little overwhelmed at times, but I just tried to make her keep playing one more shot.”
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Osaka confessed that she often feels anxious at the start of a tournament, and it usually takes her some time to get into the swing of things. Luckily for her, as the No. 23 seed, she didn’t have to face any top players right off the bat.
“It’s funny. I was hitting with Muchova the other day, and I was, like, ‘Thank God I don’t have to play you in the first or second round.’ She was laughing about it too,” Osaka shared.
“But yeah, I mean, definitely you don’t want to play the big names early on. I think for me I’ve always been the type of person that kind of eases into it, but you have to earn that right, of course.
“Yeah, honestly, in any given day I’m not scared to play anyone. It’s just more I’d like to, I guess, get me feet wet first before diving in.”
AloJapan.com