Agonized Naomi Osaka claims her “heart dies every time” after 2024 US Open exit

Former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka leaves New York with her heart broken after making a second-round exit at the 2024 US Open.

Agonized Naomi Osaka claims her “heart dies every time” after 2024 US Open exit

Naomi Osaka (via X)

Four-time singles Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka was on cloud nine when she beat Jelena Ostapenko in her first round at the 2024 US Open. It seemed that the former World No. 1 had finally found her groove. However, this ecstasy turned into agony very quickly as the Japanese ace lost to Karolina Muchova in the second round.

Osaka suffered a straight-sets defeat to Muchova at the Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday (August 29) night and bowed out from one of her favorite tournaments on the tour. Despite giving it her best in the second set, she could not keep her US Open dream alive and was left heartbroken after the match.

The four-time Grand Slam champion stated that she takes the losses personally and that her heart dies every time she loses a match.

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It’s tough because I take these losses personally. This is a dramatic word, but I feel like my heart dies every time I lose. It sucks a lot. But I’ve been trying to be more mature and learn and talk more about them.
Naomi Osaka said in her post-match press conference

Osaka was defeated 6-3, 7-6(5) by Muchova. She struggled from the start, dropping five consecutive games and 22 of 26 points in one stretch. Although she got her act together in the second set, Osaka faltered big time with her forehands, which eventually played a role in her loss.

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Disappointed Naomi Osaka acknowledges the positives after US Open exit

Naomi Osaka was extremely disappointed after falling to Karolina Muchova in the second round of the 2024 US Open. She admitted that she has found it tough to get back into her rhythm. Osaka reckoned that while the pregnancy break did put things on a halt for her, she was not at her best in 2022 either.

Naomi Osaka US Open
Naomi Osaka US Open (via X)

However, despite all the problems, the 26-year-old is also focusing on the positives. She said that she is feeling better and faster and that she has enjoyed playing in different tournaments since her comeback. 

Obviously, I can only gauge how I’m doing by results. I feel faster. I feel better. But I lost in the 2nd round so it’s a little rough. But also it’s been fun playing a lot of tournaments. It’s been a commitment for sure. I’ve been able to go to different cities that I hadn’t been to before.
Naomi Osaka said in her post-match press conference

Osaka, currently ranked World No. 88, has played quite a few tournaments this year. She has a 19-16 win-loss record this season and is yet to win a title. She will now look to win a few matches in the tournaments ahead and improve her ranking.

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