‘Maybe I’m just getting old’: Naomi Osaka’s surprise reaction after US Open exit

Naomi Osaka’s US Open campaign ended in the fourth round, but the former world number one left Flushing Meadows with a sense of perspective rather than disappointment.The two-time US Open champion was defeated by Elena Rybakina in a one-sided duel on Monday, ending a run that has also seen Osaka once again garner attention off the court with a series of eye-catching fashion statements.However, when she addressed the media after the defeat, Osaka focused less on the loss and more on the bigger picture.When asked if she was disappointed that her departure meant fans wouldn’t get to see some of the other fashion looks she may have planned for later rounds, Osaka admitted that there is always something in the works.“I think there’s always something (laughs). It’s a way for me to have fun and kind of get excited. But honestly, I’m not disappointed now. It’s a very strange feeling. And I wasn’t disappointed last year either. Amanda just played really crazy. Maybe I’m just getting old, but I don’t feel sad.”

‘I’m glad I take losses differently’

The four-time Grand Slam champion was then asked if her reaction to the defeat had surprised her, given that losses often hit her deeper earlier in her career.Osaka said she has learned to process failure differently and now looks for lessons rather than dwelling on disappointment.“I think I’m glad that I take the losses differently. I try to learn from them a lot more. If I had to say I was sad today, I was sad that I couldn’t put my foot back. I’m sorry that I couldn’t do what I set out to do.”The 28-year-old player revealed that during the match against Rybakina, she suffered from pain in her leg, which affected her movement on the court.Nevertheless, she emphasized that tennis results no longer define her outlook on life.“But if I think about my life, my daughter is healthy. Everyone in my family is great. I had the opportunity to play this Slam. I got as far as I could. I think it’s only up from here.”

Osaka’s fashion show lights up New York

Although her tournament ended in the fourth round, Osaka remained one of the event’s most prominent figures thanks to a series of fashion appearances inspired by basketball culture.With sponsor Nike celebrating the New York Knicks’ championship triumph, Osaka unveiled a different look during the tournament, working with celebrity stylist Law Roach.For her latest performance, she hit the court in a fur-trimmed multi-colored coat designed by Brooklyn-based label KidSuper.“I felt really swaggy when I put it on,” Osaka said after the match. “I feel like it embodies New York a lot.The outfit also included a headband inspired by the NBA logo, which replaced the traditional silhouette of a basketball player with a tennis player holding a racket.Earlier in the tournament, Osaka paid tribute to NBA legend Allen Iverson with a dramatic first-round ensemble designed by Who Decides War that featured a long white tulle skirt, hooded robe and curls underneath a headband reminiscent of Iverson’s iconic style.Her second-round look was by Thom Browne and included a flowy white jacket embroidered with crossed tennis rackets, while the netting of her skirt was designed to resemble a basketball net.For round three, she wore an oversized Monse outfit that combined a jacket and hoodie with flowing fleece pants, combining business wear and sportswear aesthetics.

“If I win another Grand Slam, it won’t change my life.”

Osaka’s comments after the loss reflected a broader shift in how she now views her career and accomplishments.While the former world number one was still motivated to compete at the highest level, she indicated that winning another major title would not fundamentally change her life or sense of fulfillment.Reflecting on all that she has already achieved in the sport, Osaka indicated that she no longer measures happiness only through victories and trophies.“Maybe I’m just getting old, but I don’t feel sad,” Osaka said. “I also think that when I think about my career and the things that I’ve been able to do, there’s nothing that I regret or there’s nothing that I’m sad about… If I win another Grand Slam, it’s not going to change my life.”For Osaka, the US Open may have ended sooner than she had hoped, but her reaction to the defeat suggested that the player is increasingly at peace with her career and life outside of tennis.