Naomi Osaka has made a habit of making headlines with her comments inside the media center at various Grand Slam stops over the years, and this year's French Open was no different.The four-time Grand Slam winner lost in straight sets to World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka (5-7, 3-6) in the fourth round of Roland Garros, which has become a familiar situation for Osaka in her career.
The 28-year-old holds a 1-3 record against the Belarusian all-time, with all three of her losses coming in 2026.While answering questions from the media following her fourth-round exit in France, Osaka was asked if she could take any encouragement from the loss or if she feels daunted about the challenge in closing the gap between herself and Sabalenka.Naomi Osaka of Japan plays a backhand against Aryna Sabalenka during Day Nine of the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros on June 1, 2026, in Paris, France.(Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)NAOMI OSAKA'S ALL-BLACK FRENCH OPEN OUTFIT RIVALS HER JELLYFISH-INSPIRED LOOK FROM THE AUSTRALIAN OPENThe question was a bit strange, as the idea of being encouraged after a third straight loss to the same opponent would be unique, but the question wasn't nearly as odd as the answer Osaka proceeded to give."I don’t know if you knew me before, but I would be very, very disappointed in myself after matches like these.
But I kinda realized it doesn’t matter at all," Osaka began."I’ve played her multiple times and sadly to say lost multiple times.The only thing I can keep doing is trying l my best.
Maybe, hopefully, it’ll work out in my favor one day.But I can’t let myself be discouraged every time I lose to someone or win against someone.
Because honestly, hitting a ball doesn’t really matter, like, on Earth, kind of."It doesn't get more uninspiring than that.Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus against Naomi Osaka of Japan during Day Nine of the 2026 French Open at Roland Garros on June 1, 2026, in Paris, France.(Tnani Badreddine/DeFodi Im...