Despite coming off an incredible run at the 2025 US Open, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is receiving a lot of criticism this week.
It was confirmed that Madison Square Garden will once again hold the Garden Cup in December. Osaka will be in New York to face off against the No. 1 ranked player in the world, Aryna Sabalenka. The second match that’ll be on display includes former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios and American tennis star Tommy Paul.
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“Playing at Madison Square Garden has a special meaning for a tennis player,” Osaka said. “The history there is unmatched in sports, and I am looking forward to playing Aryna in December.”
Even though Osaka is thrilled to showcase her skills at MSG, her fans seem quite disappointed by this announcement.
Sep 4, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Naomi Osaka (JPN) reacts after winning a point against Amanda Anisimova (USA) (not pictured) in a women’s singles semifinal of the 2025 US Open tennis championships at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Osaka’s fans are worried about her associating with Kyrgios, who once pleaded guilty to pushing a former girlfriend.
“Unbelievable that Naomi Osaka is attaching her name with someone like Nick Kyrgios,” one fan said. “What a disappointment…”
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“Sabalenka and Osaka are setting women’s tennis a decade back imo… i understand that there would be contractual obligations but NK lunatic himself hasn’t played ANY tennis and soon he will be out of favors from everyone,” a second fan commented.
“Amazing how quickly evolve is becoming the most hated agency in tennis, and how hard Naomi is working at tarnishing her legacy by working with NK,” another fan wrote.
Do Osaka and Kyrgios have history?
Earlier this year, Kyrgios was spotted in Osaka’s box for her first-round match at Wimbledon. That led to fans speculating about their connection.
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It was then announced that Osaka and Kyrgios would team up for the mixed doubles tournament at the US Open. Those plans were scrapped once the latter withdrew from the event.
While it’s unclear if Osaka and Kyrgios have a strong connection, it’s pretty evident they’ve crossed paths more than a few times while on tour.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Sep 10, 2025, where it first appeared in the Tennis section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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