“One of the saddest videos I’ve ever seen” – Naomi Osaka reveals why she ‘feels sad’ for Emma Raducanu ahead of Citi DC Open clash
Naomi Osaka has shared an emotional perspective ahead of her second-round clash with Emma Raducanu at the Citi DC Open on July 24, 2025, describing a video of Raducanu as “one of the saddest I’ve ever seen” and revealing why she “feels sad” for her opponent. Speaking in a press conference following her 6-2, 7-5 first-round win over Yulia Putintseva, Osaka reflected on Raducanu’s journey since her 2021 US Open triumph as a qualifier. She referenced a specific video—believed to be from Raducanu’s early post-victory days—where the then-18-year-old appeared overwhelmed by sudden fame and scrutiny, stating, “I saw this video of her after she won, and it just looked like she was carrying so much weight. It made me feel sad for her.”
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, connected this to Raducanu’s rapid rise from obscurity, contrasting it with her own more gradual ascent. She noted, “I had a foundation when I won my first Slam; she didn’t. That kind of pressure can be tough.” Her empathy stems from recognizing the intense media and public expectations that followed Raducanu’s out-of-nowhere success, which Osaka believes contributed to the “dips” Raducanu has faced, including injuries and inconsistent form. This sentiment aligns with Raducanu’s own recent admission about struggling to form tour friendships due to the isolation that fame brought.
The match, set for 11:00 AM WAT at the William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center, marks their first meeting, adding emotional depth to an already anticipated duel between two US Open champions. Osaka’s comments suggest a mix of respect and compassion, though she remains focused on the challenge, having expressed excitement about the matchup. As both players prepare—Raducanu after beating Marta Kostyuk 7-6(4), 6-4—Osaka’s revelation highlights the human side of their rivalry, framing it as more than just a test of skill at 10:43 AM WAT on July 24, 2025.
