Naomi Osaka Admits To Being 'Little Embarrassed' After Throwing Racket In Miami Win
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Former WTA world No. 1 Naomi Osaka's third victory at the 2025 Miami Open did not stop her from feeling embarrassed during the contest.
Osaka and Hailey Baptiste's round of 32 clash entertained from start to finish. The Japanese star narrowly won the opening set 8-6 on a tiebreak, but Baptiste responded by taking the second 6-3.
After a deciding set that could have gone either way, Osaka was slightly stronger in the most significant moments to complete a 7-6, 3-6, 6-4 victory in front of a vocal crowd on Court Butch Bucholz.
Osaka often shows her emotions on the court, but they were particularly prevalent throughout the contest against Baptiste. That was the case during positive and negative moments in all three sets.
In her press conference, Osaka admitted to being embarrassed by how many times she threw her racket in frustration during the match, and apologized to her sponsor, Yonex.
"Yeah, today was an emotional day for me. I was saying that I'm a little embarrassed for how much I threw my racket, which is something that I don't like to be known for. So, very very sorry to Yonext about that."
Although Osaka letting out shouts of "come on" is normal for her, the two-time US Open champion is correct that racket throwing is not something she is known for. It was surprising to see her do it so consistently about Baptiste.
However, Osaka also thinks she was being vocal in a positive way, despite acknowledging that her regular shouts after winning points might have been irritating for Baptiste to listen to.
"But I also feel like I was trying to be really positive and really vocal. So, I might have been a little annoying to her on that end, too. But I felt like I needed to do that to, I guess, push myself to continue. In that regard, this match was very difficult."
The four-time Grand Slam winner has been in great form in her last few matches. She scrapped to beat Yuliia Starodubtseva to start the tournament, but comprehensively beat Liudmila Samsonova in the next round before beating Baptiste.
Although Osaka is not among the favorites to win the event, her chances should not be completely ruled out. The 27-year-old's game can be utterly devastating when everything is flowing perfectly.
Osaka's results have improved since Patrick Mouratoglou became her coach in the closing stages of 2024. She reached the final of the 2025 ASB Classic in Auckland, but had to retire after the opening set.
Osaka also showed promising signs at the Australian Open, beating Karolina Muchova in the second round. Once again, she had to retire in the third round with the same back injury she sustained in Auckland.
The former world No. 1 was the 2022 runner-up at the Miami Open. Her game should suit the conditions at the tournament, and she could achieve something special in Florida in the coming days.
Osaka will play two-time Grand Slam runner-up Jasmine Paolini in the next round. It could be the match of the tournament.
