Naomi Osaka has been blasted as a ‘poor loser’ by tennis fans after giving a blunt appraisal of her shock defeat to teenage sensation Victoria Mboko at the Canadian Open in Montreal.
The Canadian delivered a sensational performance in the final of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers, staging a stunning comeback to defeat Osaka in the final, winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-1.
Mboko, 18, claimed her first WTA 1000 title in front of a raucous home crowd, halting Osaka’s attempt to reclaim her best form since returning from maternity leave.
In doing so, she defied the odds, becoming the first Canadian to beat three former Grand Slam champions – including Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and Osaka – in a single WTA event.
But while Mboko delivered on the court, Osaka’s behavior after the match sparked widespread backlash – not for her tears, but for her silence.
A lack of humility from Osaka
After the match, Mboko graciously praised her idol, saying: “I want to thank Naomi for an incredible match. I’ve always looked up to her when I was very little. It’s great to play with such an amazing player like you.”
Osaka’s own remarks, however, stirred criticism. With a shaky voice, she offered a brief, self-contained statement: “I don’t really want to take up too much time. I’ll just say thank you to everyone… I hope you guys had a good night,” she said.
Osaka’s omission of any acknowledgment or congratulations to Mboko – and skipping the post-match press conference entirely – was interpreted by many as a snub. Fans and tennis figures alike accused her of lacking grace in defeat.
“An absolute horrific lack of effort,” one social media user wrote. Another commented, “You definitely need to show more class than this after blatantly quitting in a championship match.”
One user went as far as calling Osaka a ‘poor loser’ for failing to recognize the same kind of achievement that propelled Osaka herself into stardom nearly a decade ago.
The optics were especially harsh given Mboko’s public admiration for Osaka; many saw the omission as personal and not just poor etiquette. And compared to Osaka’s short farewell, Mboko’s humility and emotional connection to her idol painted a stark contrast.
Her run through the tournament was legendary: from battling through injury and match point to handling match momentum shifts with poise and grace.
Mature head on Mboko’s young shoulders
Observers noted that Mboko’s poise, humility, and public praise of Osaka only intensified disappointment in the latter’s response – prompting calls for more gracious conduct from established stars who see themselves as role models.
This episode is another chapter in Osaka’s ongoing attempt to rebuild her legacy following a hiatus. While fans understand her emotional strain and high stakes, they also expect decorum, especially when a young player delivers a breakthrough moment – a moment that could shape her career.
In an era that demands both impeccable athleticism and visibility on and off the court, Osaka’s miscue drew attention not just for what she said, but what she chose not to say.
For now, Mboko’s win will reverberate through tennis history as one of the great breakthrough moments, while Osaka’s post-match behavior will linger as a cautionary example – for champions and their rivals alike – in how not to act in the face of defeat.
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