‘I didn’t feel fully confident in myself’: Naomi Osaka knocked out of Wimbledon by American Emma Navarro
Navarro needed just 59 minutes to ease past four-time grand slam champion Osaka, who recorded her first win at Wimbledon since 2018 against Diana Parry in the first round.
Now ranked No. 113 in the world, Osaka was competing as a wildcard at Wimbledon this year. The Japanese star returned to tennis at the start of 2024 after more than a year away from the sport prioritizing her mental health and then becoming a mother.
Osaka, who has won all four of her grand slam titles on hard courts, still hasn’t been past the third round at Wimbledon.
“I don’t think it was the greatest from my end,” Osaka said, per PA. “I feel like even though in the beginning it was kind of like we were trading games, I don’t know why, I didn’t feel fully confident in myself. I didn’t feel like I was playing that well.
“I guess those doubts started trickling in a lot into my game. Obviously the second set wasn’t that great. I don’t know why those thoughts were so prevalent.
“I’m a little disappointed because I wanted to do really well. I feel like I put a lot of time into it. There’s always next year.”
While Osaka’s grass court season is over, the 26-year-old has shown enough form throughout the year to suggest she could be a real threat on the hard courts again.
Navarro, the 2021 NCAA champion, has enjoyed a breakout year on the tour and has now reached at least the third round of all three grand slams this season.
The 23-year-old was ranked 149 in the world at the start of last season but has now soared to the world No. 17 position and looks a real threat in SW19 after reaching the semfinals of the Bad Homburg Open in the lead up to Wimbledon.
“It’s my first time on Centre Court. It doesn’t really seem to be real,” Navarro said. “I’ve been having a lot of fun on grass.
“It’s kind of been the theme of my time on tour so far, just trying to really enjoy myself – and today was no exception. So I’m just having a lot of fun and it was a really special atmosphere.”
Navarro will face Diana Shnaider in the third round after the Russian 20-year-old breezed past former US Open champion Sloane Stephens in straight sets, winning 6-1 6-1.
Osaka's return to tennis after prioritizing her mental health and becoming a mother showcased in her game during the match. Despite her love for tennis as a sport, she struggled to regain her confidence against Navarro.
Navarro's joyful tennis journey continued in Wimbledon, her excitement evident as she reached the third round and prepared to face her next opponent on the hallowed Centre Court.
