Osaka Explains Why She Did Not Congratulate Teenager Mboko After Montreal Final

Naomi Osaka received furious criticism from some fans for not mentioning Victoria Mboko after their final at the 2025 Canadian Open. She sought to clarify what happened afterward.

Osaka played in her first WTA 1000 final in over three years against Mboko in Montreal. It was also the Japanese star's most significant final since returning from maternity leave at the start of 2024.

The four-time Grand Slam champion won the opening set 6-2 with some of her best tennis since her last major title at the 2021 Australian Open. She struck the ball cleanly and lasted impressively in the longer rallies.

Osaka's level in the first set made what happened next surprising. After dropping her level midway through the second set, she swiftly collapsed in the decider, losing 6-2, 4-6, 1-6.

Although a devastating defeat for Osaka, 18-year-old Mboko winning her maiden WTA title on home soil was extraordinary and among the most unexpected runs to glory seen in recent years.

Beating Osaka in the final made the moment even more special for Mboko, as she idolized the former world No. 1 when she was growing up. That might have made Osaka's actions after the final feel particularly disappointing.

Osaka was understandably emotional during the ceremony afterward, but many players have gone through the same thing. The vast majority of them still congratulate their opponent on winning the title.

Many online fans were infuriated by Osaka's failure to do that. She was accused of being self-centered, and others went further and felt she deliberately tried to overshadow Mboko's moment.

The former Indian Wells Open winner briefly addressed the controversial moment in her press conference. Osaka said she forgot to laud Mboko for her achievement and performance, which she called amazing.

Osaka's words in the press conference should not be dismissed. The reporter's question was not directly about her failure to congratulate Mboko; Osaka chose to mention what happened during the ceremony.

The disappointment from a section of tennis fans with Osaka for not mentioning Mboko is understandable, but some of the online criticism was over the top and entirely disproportionate, acting as a reminder of the abuse players receive.

Last year, Osaka, who has been a leading advocate for mental health support, admitted she is still learning how to manage online hatred despite being a professional player known worldwide for many years.

A few days ago, Elina Svitolina brought the issue back into the spotlight by sharing disgusting messages she received after losing to Osaka in Montreal. The Ukrainian slammed the bettors responsible and said their mothers must be ashamed of them.

Jessica Pegula did the same after being defeated by Lois Boisson at the 2025 French Open. The world No. 4 shared despicable comments from bettors, including about her dog passing away.