Naomi Osaka apologizes after playing the ‘worst’ match of her career at Indian Wells

Naomi Osaka was no match for Camila Osorio, who became the first Colombian woman to defeat a former World No.1 on the WTA Tour.

Naomi Osaka apologizes after playing the ‘worst’ match of her career at Indian Wells

Naomi Osaka (Image via X)

Naomi Osaka had a disappointing campaign in Indian Wells. She wanted to make a deep run but was no match for Camila Osorio, losing the first-round clash with scores of 6-4, 6-4.

It marked Osaka’s first match on the WTA Tour since her Australian Open third-round exit. She gave a walkover to Belinda Bencic due to an injury problem and missed the entire Middle East Swing.

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The 2018 Indian Wells champion was the favorite to win the first round but as the result didn’t end in her favor, Osorio became the first-ever Colombian woman to beat a former World No.1. Following the match, Osaka issued a public apology and called the match the worst one of her career.

Worst match I’ve ever played in my life. Wow, I’m so sorry to everyone who watched that.

Naomi Osaka posted on Threads
Naomi Osaka's post on Threads
Naomi Osaka’s post on Threads

Osorio, who won her second WTA title in Bogota last year, had never secured a main draw win in Indian Wells before. She is scheduled to lock horns with Clara Tauson next.

The Dane is the 2025 ASB Classic champion after Osaka threw in the towel right after winning the first set due to an injury. Tauson had also made it to her first WTA 1000 final in this year’s Dubai Tennis Championships where she had knocked out World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka in the third round.

Naomi Osaka is positive about her performance

Naomi Osaka has been dealing with injury setbacks since returning from maternity leave. Despite calling it the worst match of her career, she is optimistic about her tennis, calling the defeat a bump in the road.

Naomi Osaka (2)
Naomi Osaka (Image via X)

There were certain things that felt extremely off because I could only start to practice serving after a certain amount of time. I think given the situation, it wasn’t that terrible. It just feels like a little bump in the road.

Naomi Osaka said at the press conference

Last year as well, Osaka didn’t have a great run in the Californian desert, for she fell to Elise Mertens in the third round. She has now ample amount of time to improve her game before the second event of the Sunshine Doubles. Osaka is yet to win a title since the 2021 Australian Open and reached just two finals.

The four-time Grand Slam champion failed to advance beyond the second round of a Grand Slam tournament last season. She ended her 2024 campaign right after giving a walkover to Coco Gauff in the China Open last 16.