US Open 2024: Naomi Osaka rues shock second-round exit to Karolina Muchova - 'My heart dies every time'

Naomi Osaka's wait for a Grand Slam third round goes on, after the former world No. 1 lost in straight sets to Karolina Muchova. A double fault at the crucial moment in the second-set tie-break opened the door for the Czech to close out the match at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Having previously discussed the struggles of playing after the birth of her child, Osaka was "proud" of her performance.

Naomi Osaka admitted her “heart dies every time” she loses following her straight-sets defeat to Karolina Muchova in the US Open second round.

The former world No. 1 held a 4-2 lead in the match-concluding tie-break, but eventually succumbed to a 6-3 7-6(5) reverse.

It confirmed Osaka’s wait would go on for third-round progression in a Grand Slam, having last reached that stage in the 2022 Australian Open.

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In her post-match press conference, the 26-year-old did not hide her disappointment, but said it was “fun” to be back playing regular tennis after giving birth in 2023.

"It's a little rough because I do take these losses really personally," said Osaka. "It's like a dramatic word, but I feel like my heart dies every time I lose.

"It sucks a lot, but I've been trying to be more mature and learn and talk more about them.

'My heart dies every time I lose' - Osaka on shock second-round US Open exit

Video credit: SNTV

"It's been a little difficult because obviously I can only gauge how I'm doing by results. Like, I feel faster. I feel better, but I lost in the second round. So it's a little rough.

"But, also, it's been fun playing a lot of tournaments. It's been a commitment for sure, but I've been able to go to different cities that I've never been to."

Her Czech opponent rattled off five straight games to take the first set, and a decisive fourth double fault of the match gave Muchova a chance to wrap up the win in the second set tie-break.

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The Japanese pointed to a recent lack of big stage experience, and conceded that she was still not back to her best.

Osaka said: "I felt like I had to keep fighting. I didn't feel like I was playing as perfectly as before, but I don't think you can play perfectly every match. I'm not too sure.

“I think during the pressure moments I got nervous, and I don't know if I just have to keep playing more matches and get used to that feeling, especially on a really big stage.

"Honestly, if I get past the disappointment, I feel pretty proud of myself to have gotten that many opportunities while still feeling like I could have played much better."

Conversely, Muchova said the main stage of the Arthur Ashe was a boost for the 2023 semi-finalist, who outshot Osaka in the service statistics, hitting seven aces and boasting an 80% first-serve rate.

"I was just really trying to be focused," said the world No. 52. "I know she's amazing player and that I have to bring the A-game to have a chance.

"So, I was just trying to be really focused on myself. I knew I have to serve good because her serve is really good.

"I was just trying to be kind of locked in myself and focused out there. Then the energy and the big court and all that, it for sure helps me."

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