I really feel like my coronary heart dies each time I lose

By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Thursday August 29, 2024

New York—Naomi Osaka was unable to hold over her momentum from her first High-10 victory in over 4 years (towards Jelena Ostapenko) in spherical one of many US Open, and she or he was knocked out of the second spherical by proficient Czech Karolina Muchova on Thursday evening in Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The four-time main season finishes her Grand Slam season with a 3-4 report, and she or he was not shy about admitting that the loss was tough to abdomen, given how a lot work she has put in to make her comeback from maternity depart this season.

“It is a bit tough as a result of I do take these losses actually personally,” she instructed reporters after falling to the Czech 6-3, 7-6. “It is like a dramatic phrase, however I really feel like my coronary heart dies each time I lose. It sucks loads, however I have been making an attempt to be extra mature and be taught and discuss extra about them.”

Osaka has three set factors within the second set, serving at 5-4, 40-0, however acquired tight and blew her likelihood with some uncharacteristically unfastened play.

“I believe throughout the strain moments I acquired nervous, and I do not know if I simply must hold taking part in extra matches and get used to that feeling, particularly on a extremely massive stage,” she mentioned. “Actually, if I get previous the frustration, I really feel fairly happy with myself to have gotten that many alternatives whereas nonetheless feeling like I may have performed significantly better.”

The 26-year-old drops to 17-16 total on the 12 months. She’s taken her rating from exterior of the High 800 all the best way to 85, so issues are headed in the proper path.

“Actually I really feel like I am getting back from being pregnant, but in addition it wasn’t like in 2022 I used to be like the very best model of myself. So in a roundabout way I needed to catch as much as that, after which additionally I am making an attempt to go it on the similar time,” she mentioned. I do not know. It has been a bit tough as a result of clearly I can solely gauge how I am doing by outcomes. Like, I really feel quicker. I really feel higher, however I misplaced within the second spherical. So it is a bit tough.”

Osaka says she’s each annoyed that issues are taking longer than she anticipated to return collectively, and hopeful that she’s placing within the work, and getting higher step-by-step.

“Nonetheless in my mind I believe that I can win these tournaments,” she mentioned. “I really feel like ultimately it should all piece itself collectively. It won’t be on the timeline that I would like it to be, however I believe it should come ultimately.”