Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, opened up emotionally following her early exit from Wimbledon after a defeat by Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. In a candid post-match interview, Osaka expressed deep frustration and self-doubt, revealing the mental toll the loss had taken on her.
A Difficult Day on and off the Court
Osaka’s return to Wimbledon was highly anticipated, especially as she continues to balance her comeback to professional tennis with motherhood. However, her performance against Pavlyuchenkova left her visibly disappointed. “I’m just gonna be a negative human being today. I’m so sorry,” she said, her voice heavy with emotion. “I have nothing positive to say about myself, which is something I’m working on.”
Her words painted a picture of an athlete grappling with the weight of expectations—both her own and those of the public. Despite her immense talent and past successes, Osaka has often spoken about the mental challenges that accompany life on the tour.
A Glimmer of Joy Amid the Disappointment
While the match itself brought little satisfaction, Osaka did find a moment of happiness in her personal life. “It was my daughter’s birthday. I was happy about that this week,” she shared. The joy of celebrating her child’s milestone stood in stark contrast to the disappointment she felt on the court.
This brief mention of her daughter served as a reminder of the new chapter Osaka is navigating—balancing elite competition with the responsibilities and joys of parenthood.
The Ongoing Journey of Self-Compassion
Osaka’s honesty about her struggles is not new. She has been a leading voice in advocating for mental health awareness in sports, often speaking openly about anxiety, depression, and the pressures of fame. Her admission that she is “constantly replaying the match” reflects the perfectionism and internal critique that many athletes face.
Still, her willingness to be vulnerable in the public eye continues to resonate with fans and fellow players alike. It’s a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes are human—capable of doubt, disappointment, and growth.
Looking Ahead
Though this Wimbledon did not end the way she had hoped, Osaka’s journey is far from over. Her resilience, both on and off the court, remains a powerful force. As she continues to work on her mindset and embrace the complexities of her dual roles as a mother and a competitor, the tennis world will be watching—not just for her victories, but for her courage in facing the hard days too.
Pavlyuchenkova in Wimbledon, ranking, and results in 2025
LWLLWLWLWW Ranked no.50, Pavlyuchenkova has a 12-9 win-loss record in 2025. Anastasia is now playing in Wimbledon where she bested the world no.79 Ajla Tomljanovic 4-6 6-3 6-2, the world no.31 Ashlyn Krueger 7-6(4) 6-4 and the world no.53 Naomi Osaka 3-6 6-4 6-4.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova will come up against the world no.51 Sonay Kartal in the 4th round. In the past, they have never played each other so far in top competitions.
The Russian won 12 titles in her career: 6 on hard courts, 3 on clay courts and 3 on indoor courts. (See the list of her titles)
Naomi Osaka in 2025
At the moment ranked no.53, Naomi played her last match on the 1st of January 1970 when she was defeated by world no.50 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 3-6 6-4 6-4 in the 3rd round in Wimbledon (draw).
Until now, during this year Osaka achieved an overall 20-10 record. Osaka conquered 1 title in the Malo. The Japanese got to the final in Auckland.
Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova and Naomi Osaka played each other 4 times. Their current head to head is 2-2.
