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.
18-year-old Leylah Fernandez dazzles, defeats defending #USOpen champion Naomi Osaka 5-7, 7-6(2), 6-4.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) September 4, 2021
Osaka served for the match up *6-5 in the second and couldn't close it out. Got rattled from there.
Fernandez kept her belief, served incredibly well, and embraced the moment.
https://twitter.com/markhmasters/status/1433973795862327296
Earlier today: 18-year-old Carlos Alcaraz upset No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas in a deciding set.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 4, 2021
Now: 18-year-old Leylah Fernandez leads No. 3 Naomi Osaka, 4-2, in a deciding set...
"Be consistent...please" says Chris Evert on ESPN as Naomi Osaka does not receive a code violation after back-to-back violent racquet smashes at the #USOpen
— Randy Walker (@TennisPublisher) September 4, 2021
We have to change the way we are talking about Naomi Osaka. To bring her mental health into any & everything isn't fair, unless SHE attributes it to that. To say her being frustrated in this match is because of that just feels unfair & tacky. Don't hold her openness over her head
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) September 4, 2021
Always a fight from, @naomiosaka.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 4, 2021
See you next year, champ. pic.twitter.com/P3KQzB7M4V
https://twitter.com/TennisCanada/status/1433973868142768128
https://twitter.com/DrSepinwall/status/1433987169962508294
An incredible win for @leylahannietennis!!!
— Tennis Express (@TennisExpress) September 4, 2021
BRAVA! #leylahanniefernandez #WTA #USOpen #naomiosaka #TennisExpress https://t.co/rlRUjT1PtC
@naomiosaka keep your head up Queen! Your a walking legend!
— jesus (@jesus33111753) September 4, 2021
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.