Andy Roddick has sent a message to Naomi Osaka about what the future holds for her after losing in the US Open semi-finals earlier this week.
It marked a sad end to her tournament, which had built so much momentum, made even tougher given that she took the opening set from Amanda Anisimova.
Alas, it was not to be, and in her home country, the American roared back to dump out the two-time former champion.
Naomi Osaka should still leave New York so pleased with what she has accomplished across a sparkling two-week period, which saw her reach the semi-final of a Grand Slam for the first time in over four years.
Andy Roddick has sought to emphasise that notion when speaking on his Served with Andy Roddick podcast.
Andy Roddick sends message to Naomi Osaka after US Open defeat
He began by praising Anisimova, almost justifying Osaka’s loss by outlining just how impressive her opponent was. And she was.
Roddick stated: “Anisimova’s tough. Like, there’s no way around it, right?
“What she’s gone through the last five, six years personally, you know, losing 0 and 0 in a Wimbledon final, and then coming back and beating Swiatek, getting back to work, a set down, like, scrapping, clawing against Naomi Osaka, who is resurgent, and, you know, the cause for optimism, for Naomi Osaka is obvious. She’s a champion.
“First time she’s ever lost when she’s made it past the round of 16, which is like, Looney Tunes type stat.”
Moving on from that match though, Roddick named his favourite to lift the women’s US Open title, played tonight.
Naomi Osaka’s immediate reaction to losing to Amanda Anisimova
At her press conference, Osaka was keen to offer her emotions to the reporters when reflecting on what was a tough loss, but what had been a magical two weeks.
The 27-year-old started by admitting: “Honestly, I don’t feel sad. It’s really weird.”
She continued: “Well, it’s not weird, because I just feel like I did the best that I could. Honestly, it’s kind of inspiring for me, because it makes me just want to train and try to get better, and hopefully just give it my very best shot again and see what happens.
“But I think I can’t be mad or upset at myself.
“I kind of respect it more. I’m happy that I lost in the semis instead of the first round or the third round or whatever I usually get to.”
It seems that Osaka is well aware of the strides she has made throughout the last month or so, particularly at the US Open. Roddick’s words of encouragement will be helpful, but don’t seem necessary to someone at peace with the result.
