London, July 4 (UNI) Four-time major winner Naomi Osaka said she had “nothing positive to say” after missing out on a first appearance in the Wimbledon fourth round.
The 27-year-old former world number one was well-backed by the crowd on Court Two, but fell to a 3-6 6-4 6-4 loss to former quarter-finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova.
Osaka has not progressed beyond the third round at a Grand Slam since achieving her most recent major triumph at the Australian Open in January 2021.
The Japanese player, who lost in the French Open first round in May, said, “I think in Paris, when I sat here to speak to the media, I was very emotional.
“Now I don’t feel anything. So I guess I’d prefer to feel nothing than everything.”
Osaka has taken several breaks from the sport to prioritise her mental health, as well as a maternity break in 2023.
The two-time Australian Open and US Open champion returned to the Tour in 2024 following the birth of her daughter, Shai.
But Osaka said later that year that she did not “feel like I’m in my body” as she struggled to rediscover her best form.
On whether she feels closer to making another deep run at a major, Osaka said on Friday: “Yes, but honestly, right now I’m just really upset.
“I’m just going to be a negative human being today. I’m so sorry. I have nothing positive to say about myself, which is something I’m working on.
“I feel like, while I still have the opportunity to try to compete, I want to.
“Even though I get very upset when I lose, but I think that’s my competitive nature.”
