“I Should Be Used to the Pressure”: Naomi Osaka Leaves Mixed Zone in Tears After Tokyo Olympics 2020 Exit

The 2020 Tokyo Olympics has been an eventful tournament so far. Notably, the tennis event has had fans on the edge of the seats, while many lie in despair. Packed with big upsets and epic fightback, the competition has delivered more than what it promised. However, as day four of the tournament kick-started in style, it was more agony than ecstasy. Playing in the third round of the women’s singles event was World No. 2, Naomi Osaka, against Czech International Markéta Vondroušová.

All eyes were glued to Naomi as she made a long-due return to the court after an unprecedented break from the sport. However, as fans expected the Japanese to outclass her opponent, she was whitewashed by the World No. 42. Vondrousova knocked Naomi out of the tournament, as the scoreline read, 6-1, 6-4. Her reaction to the loss was rather shocking but understandable.

Read more: Tokyo Olympics 2020 Women’s Tennis Favorite Naomi Osaka Knocked Out by Marketa Vondrousova

Heartbreak for Naomi Osaka

The two athletes looked ready for battle right from the first swing. However, further in the first set, Naomi struggled to find her footing, was completely out of focus and fell victim to Vondrousova’s mind-games. The Czech took advantage of Naomi’s weaklings and made the World No. 2 run all over the court. Vondrousova’s remarkable performance handed her the deserving win but broke Naomi Osaka’s heart, ending her dream return. As a result, the Japanese delegate took a detour at the stadium and refused to meet the media post her loss.

The world watched in silence as Vondrousova completely outplayed Naomi Osaka in the first set; They watched with the grim of hope as she began the second set. Despite starting strong, she couldn’t make it out on the top. Disappointed and disgruntled, fans were twice as more heartbroken as Naomi left the court.

Naomi Osaka vient de quitter le stade sans passer par la zone mixte, ce qui est pourtant obligatoire.

— Quentin Moynet (@QuentinMoynet) July 27, 2021

However, the Japanese star, who seemed like need her time to process the unbelievable defeat, gathered her wits and came back to speak to the media. Her character and maturity, even while grieving defeat was upheld by many. Surely, hearing from their favorite bought ease to fans all around the world.

After the mixed zone cleared and the word was that she had left, Naomi Osaka returned to answer a couple of Qs in her own time. She agreed that this was a heavy week that had not helped and she’s glad she didn’t lose in R2. She doesn’t know when she will play next. pic.twitter.com/ScEF1TJLZN

— Tumaini Carayol (@tumcarayol) July 27, 2021

She said, “I should be used to the pressure, but it’s stronger because of the break I made. At least I’m glad I didn’t lose in the first round.”

Naomi Osaka did a quick interview for TV. Not sure what else she did in terms of press. pic.twitter.com/6OhKGcMeUC

— Chris Oddo (@TheFanChild) July 27, 2021

Twitter flooded with news as Naomi returned and spoke to the media.

Naomi Osaka vient de quitter le stade sans passer par la zone mixte, ce qui est pourtant obligatoire.

— Quentin Moynet (@QuentinMoynet) July 27, 2021

Rattrapée par l’émotion, Osaka n’a pas répondu à la dernière question et a quitté la zone mixte en larmes.

— Quentin Moynet (@QuentinMoynet) July 27, 2021

Watch this story: Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, And Others Emotional Moments at Olympic Games

What’s next for the World No. 2?

Naomi Osaka has been at the heart of the headlines for a while now. Her return to the sport won the hearts of many as they looked forward to seeing the star in action. However, her dream comeback was bought to an end at the hands of Marketa Vondrousova. The defeat will surely haunt the Japanese for a while but fans will hope it does not limit her from her best.

Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Tennis – Women’s Singles – Round 3 – Ariake Tennis Park – Tokyo, Japan – July 27, 2021. Marketa Vondrousova of Czech Republic shakes hands with Naomi Osaka of Japan after winning her third round match REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw

Soon enough now, Naomi will be seen competing at the National Bank Open in Montreal. Once again, fans will look forward to watching the World No. 2, live up to her rank, and grace the courts with her excellence.

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