"I cried" - Naomi Osaka makes honest admission as she reflects on her loss of narrow margins to Iga Swiatek in French Open 2R

Naomi Osaka was edged out by Iga Swiatek in a thrilling second-round contest at the 2024 French Open. Following the heartbreaking loss, the former World No. 1 reflected on her comeback journey so far.

Osaka’s run at the French Open came to a halt with a defeat to Swiatek on Wednesday, May 29. The Japanese posed a tremendous challenge to the two-time defending champion, producing a match point opportunity in the final set. However, it was Iga Swiatek who eventually came out on top, eking out a 7-6 (1), 1-6, 7-5 win after three hours of play.

In the post-match press conference, Noami Osaka confessed that she cried after leaving the court.

"Honestly, it’s not the worst. Like, I felt worse, for sure. I cried when I got off the court," she admitted.

The Japanese, however, put things into perspective by reminding herself of her journey -- from being pregnant with her daughter Shai during the 2023 French Open to being a title contender in 2024.

"But then for me, I kind of realized that I was watching Iga win this tournament last year and I was pregnant. And it was just my dream to be able to play here. So when I think of it like that, I think I’m doing pretty well," she said.

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Naomi Osaka after her French Open 2024 loss to Iga Swiatek: "I'd love to play her on my surface"

Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka pictured at the 2024 French Open (Image source: Getty)

The 2024 French Open marked Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek’s first meeting on clay. The pair previously met twice on tour – on the hardcourts of the 2019 Canadian Open and the 2022 Miami Open. While Osaka won their first clash in straight sets, Swiatek returned the favor in the final in Miami.

About her latest loss, Osaka said,

"I’m also just trying not to be too hard on myself," she said in the aforementioned press conference.

The former World No. 1 has won all of her four Majors on hardcourts – two each at the Australian Open and the US Open, unlike Iga Swiatek, who’s won three of her four Grand Slams on clay at the French Open, with her remaining title coming in New York.

"I feel like I played her on her better surface. I’m a hardcourt kid, so I’d love to play her on my surface and see what happens," Naomi Osaka said about their meeting in Paris.

She also sent out a warning about her 2024 US Open intentions.

"Also, I said in Australia that I’m kind of setting myself up for September anyway, so," she said.

Following her win against Osaka, Swiatek will face the winner of Marie Bouzkova and Jana Fett in the third round on Friday, May 31.