Twitter reacts to Naomi Osaka’s stunning third-round US Open defeat

Defending champion Naomi Osaka lost in the third round of the US Open to 18-year-old Canadian challenger Leylah Fernandez in three sets.

Osaka was heavily favored to win not just this match, but the entire tournament, despite dealing with mental health challenges throughout the year.

Fernandez, who was ranked 73rd in the world entering the tournament, defeated Osaka, 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-4. She had never previously faced Osaka, perhaps giving her the advantage of surprise.

On the same court where Osaka defeated Serena Williams in 2018, Fernandez perhaps offered her signature moment and ascent into superstardom.

https://twitter.com/espn/status/1433975841222955011

In a controversial moment in the second set, Osaka hurled her racket after Fernandez had won the first five points of the crucial tiebreak. Fernandez evened the match at one set apiece shortly thereafter.

“I guess I wanted to stay on the court a little bit longer, and I wanted to put on a show for everybody here,” Fernandez said in her post-match interview, per the New York Times. “One hour was just not enough for me on court.”

Osaka stated after the match that she plans on taking a break from tennis.

US Open: Twitter reacts to Naomi Osaka’s stunning defeat

Social media was stunned by Osaka’s defeat at the hands of an inexperienced opponent.

https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/1433973795862327296

https://twitter.com/TennisCanada/status/1433973868142768128

https://twitter.com/DrSepinwall/status/1433987169962508294

There were many more encouraging tweets towards Osaka, as preparing for any major tennis tournament can take a lot out of a person.

We’re excited to see her next, whenever that may be.