Naomi Osaka responds to 'most devastating' question after Amanda Anisimova defeat in US Open semi-finals - 'Don't ask me about this'
Published 05/09/2025 at 10:28 GMT+1
Naomi Osaka missed out on a place in the US Open final after being beaten 6-7(3) 7-6(4) 6-3 by her American rival Amanda Anisimova. Afterwards Osaka said her defeat didn't make her "sad", but instead "inspired" after her best showing in a major since returning from giving birth. Osaka also revealed the "worst thing" about the defeat - that did not have too much to do with tennis.
Highlights: Anisimova to meet Sabalenka in US Open final after both triumph in semis
Video credit: SNTV
Naomi Osaka has revealed which Labubu she would have added to her iconic collection if she had beaten Amanda Anisimova in the semi-finals of the US Open.
New York-based artist Kerin Rose Gold of A-Morir Studio has been creating custom Labubus for all of Osaka’s wins at the Grand Slam, with each figurine receiving a tennis-themed name.
Her previous victories at Flushing Meadows have seen the four-time Grand Slam champion receive Labubus named Billie Jean Bling, Arthur Flashe, LaBillieBu, Althea Glitterson, and Andre Swaggassi.
However, the Japanese star missed out on the chance to add to her collection after losing her semi-final clash with Anisimova 6-7(3) 7-6(4) 6-3.
Osaka says she would have been the inspiration for Gold’s next creation.
"Oh, don't make me cry, man," she said after being asked which Labubu she had missed out on.
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'I don't feel sad' - Osaka on semi-final loss to Anisimova
Video credit: SNTV
"Oh, my God, the most devastating question.
"So I literally just talked about this, but I wanted to make one of myself in my last year outfit, and it was the green one.
"I would have had the bow, and I'm sick about it.
"Oh, my God, that's, like, the worst thing [about the defeat]. Honestly, I'm fine losing, but don't ask me about this Labubu, man.
"Yeah, it would have been me."
Osaka’s defeat against Anisimova was her first Grand Slam semi-final appearance since her 2021 Australian Open triumph.
Prior to the match against the world No. 9, she had never lost a semi-final or final at one of tennis’ four most famous tournaments.
Osaka was proud of her performance at the US Open despite the end of her impressive record.
"Honestly I don't feel sad," she said.
"It's really weird. Well, it's not weird, because I just feel like I did the best that I could. Honestly, it's kind of inspiring for me, because it makes me just want to train and try to get better, and hopefully just give it my very best shot again and see what happens.
"But I think I can't be mad or upset at myself.
"I kind of respect it more. I'm happy that I lost in the semis instead of the first round or the third round or whatever I usually get to."
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Anisimova is a player on the rise after securing back-to-back Grand Slam finals, and Osaka believes the 24-year-old is showing just how good a player she is.
"I wouldn't say it's a bigger challenge than I expected, because I kind of knew that she's that type of player," she added.
"It was just kind of funny at times, because there is no pattern to what she's doing.
"It's kind of like she just hits at the empty court or whatever, and it usually goes in.
"So obviously she went to the finals of Wimbledon, and now she's in the finals here, so it just shows that she's a really good player."
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