Naomi Osaka fell short in her quest to become a champion once again.
The Japanese star had been struggling to produce her best level of tennis throughout the season.
The 27-year-old had also suffered many tight three-set matches which negatively impacted her level of belief and confidence on court.
But the former world number one rediscovered her form at the Canadian Open and reached the final, only for her campaign to end on a sour note.
Coco Gauff’s former coach Brad Gilbert criticised Naomi Osaka’s actions after the Canadian Open
Standing between Naomi Osaka and a first WTA Tour-level title since 2021 was teenage sensation Victoria Mboko.
In her debut season, the teenager wasted little time showing fans what she is capable of as she battled through the Canadian Open field to reach the championship match.
Osaka made the quicker start and took the opening set but Mboko settled down and found her stride. She opened up a 5-2 lead before taking it 6-4 to send the match into a decider.
The four-time Grand Slam champion managed to win just one game in the final set, as Mboko stormed to the Canadian Open title.
A devastated Osaka gave a brief speech during the trophy presentation, in which she did not congratulate Mboko or even mention her.
She has received a backlash as a result, and Coco Gauff’s former coach Brad Gilbert has also criticised Osaka for her actions.
The 64-year-old wrote on X: “After losing 7/6 in 3rd, i know Osaka struggles with social anxiety, but gosh congratulate your opponent.
“Especially one that looked up to you, not to mention you just let the last few games go in a final.” The likes of Rennae Stubbs also called out the actions of Osaka, whose wait for another title continues.
Naomi Osaka says she ‘completely forgot’ to congratulate Victoria Mboko after the Canadian Open final
Osaka struggled to find the words during the Canadian Open trophy presentation.
Osaka did not congratulate or address Mboko during her speech, but she has since addressed the moment in quotes provided to the media.
As reported by the Montreal Gazette, Osaka has since said she did not remember to congratulate Mboko during the trophy presentation.
“This morning, I was very grateful,” she said. “I don’t know why my emotions slipped so quickly, but I’m really happy to have played the final.
“I think Victoria played really well. I completely forgot to congratulate her on court. Yeah, she did really amazing.”
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