Tennis star Naomi Osaka is opening up about how she grapples with a loss.
After falling to Karolína Muchová on Thursday, Aug. 29, in the second round of the U.S. Open, Osaka revealed during a press conference after the match that she was “really disappointed. She described losing to Muchová as feeling like her “heart dies every time I lose,” per Sports Illustrated.
Despite her U.S. Open showing, Osaka still believes in her ability on the court and said she knows she can “win” — and is working hard to prove it.
“I’m working way harder than I’ve ever worked in my life, so it needs to turn into something. Well, it doesn’t ‘need’ to, but I think it will,” Osaka told the press.
She added, “Even though I haven’t got into a final, I still, in my brain, think I can win these tournaments. I feel like eventually it will all piece itself together, and it might not be on the timeline that I want it to be, but I think it’ll come eventually.”
In July, Osaka spoke with PEOPLE about prioritizing her health as an athlete and a new mom to daughter Shai, who was born in 2023.
“As an athlete, my health has always been a priority, even more now that I am returning to tennis after having my daughter,” the 26-year-old told PEOPLE at the time. “I am learning new ways to take care of myself both on and off the court, not only for myself, but for my family.”
“Being intentional is important when it comes to prioritizing your health as a mom and an athlete. Finding balance in all areas of life including training is important,” she continued. “I believe continuing to nurture my body and mind is what will allow me to achieve my goals on and off the tennis court.”
