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The four-time Grand Slam champion lost to Elena Rybakina in the Round of 16 on Monday, Sept. 7. Despite the defeat, the 28-year-old tennis star said she is not dwelling on the result and has learned to approach losses differently.
"I think I am happy I'm taking losses differently," Osaka told reporters. She explained that she is now more focused on learning from difficult moments rather than allowing them to overwhelm her emotionally.
Osaka admitted she was disappointed by the physical limitations she faced during the match, particularly her inability to properly push off one of her feet. However, she made it clear that her frustration was about what happened on the court rather than the overall outcome.
"I'm sad that I couldn't do what I set out to do," she said.
Outside of tennis, Osaka said she has plenty to feel grateful for. She pointed to the health of her daughter, Shai, and the wellbeing of her family as reasons she can leave the tournament feeling positive.
"My daughter is healthy. Everyone in my family is great. I had an opportunity to play this Slam. I got as far as I could. It's only up from here I guess," she said.
Osaka has also continued to use her fashion choices at the US Open as a way to express herself and have fun. Earlier in the tournament, she paid tribute to basketball legend Allen Iverson with an outfit inspired by the former NBA star. When asked whether fans could expect more surprises from her, Osaka suggested she still had plenty of ideas.
She added that experimenting with her looks gives her another way to enjoy the tournament and keep herself excited.
The former world No. 1, who won the US Open in 2018 and 2020, also reflected on her semifinal loss to Amanda Anisimova at last year's tournament. Osaka said she was not particularly upset by that defeat either, crediting Anisimova for playing an exceptional match.
"Maybe I'm just getting older, but I don't feel sad," Osaka joked.
Ahead of this year's US Open, Osaka also spoke about balancing tennis with motherhood. She described being a mother to her 3-year-old daughter as her main job, while joking that tennis is more like a "side hustle."
Osaka welcomed Shai with rapper Cordae in July 2023. As she continues navigating motherhood and professional tennis, Osaka appears determined to appreciate both sides of her life, regardless of the results on court.
