Naomi Osaka Accused Of Spreading 'Uninspiring' Message After French Open Loss

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka made headlines this week for multiple reasons.

Osaka competed in a rare women’s night match at Roland Garros with Aryna Sabalenka this Monday. Despite her best efforts, Osaka was overpowered by Sabalenka in a straight-sets loss.

After losing to Sabalenka on Monday night, Osaka was asked by a reporter if she was encouraged or discouraged by her performance at Roland Garros. Her response was interesting to say the least.

“You know, I kind of realized like… I don’t know if you knew me before, but I would be very very disappointed in myself after matches like these. But I kinda realized it doesn’t matter at all. I’ve played her multiple times and sadly to say lost multiple times. The only thing I can keep doing is trying l my best,” Osaka said. “Maybe hopefully it’ll work out in my favor one day. But I can’t let myself be discouraged every time I lose to someone or win against someone. Because honestly, hitting a ball doesn’t really matter, like, on Earth, kind of.”

May 26, 2026; Paris, France; Naomi Osaka of Japan returns a shot during her match against Laura Siegemund of Germany on day three at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images© Susan Mullane-Imagn Images&period;

Some tennis fans despised that response from Osaka, whereas others thought this was a refreshing mindset from a professional athlete.

“What an inspiring, profound message for kids who play sports all over the world,” one fan sarcastically replied.

“Absolutely insufferable isn’t she? Keep losing Naomi ‘like’ it’s only a tennis ball ‘like’ nothing important,” a second fan wrote.

“I love her response, it shows growth and understanding that life doesn’t have to fall apart because things didn’t go your way this time,” another fan commented.

“This is genuinely so heartwarming to hear. Naomi used to struggle with her mental health a lot. She’s playing great tennis again,” a social media user said.

Looking ahead for Naomi Osaka.

Even when she was at the height of her powers, Osaka was never known for her skills on the grass.

That being said, Osaka should enter Wimbledon feeling a bit better about her game. For starters, she reached the third round of the iconic tournament in 2025. She’s also playing a much more efficient brand of tennis right now than she did last year at this time.

Who knows? Maybe we’ll see Osaka make a surprise run at the All England Club.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Jun 2, 2026, where it first appeared in the Tennis section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.