On August 8, 2025 in Montreal, Canada, Naomi Osaka lost the final of the Canadian Open to an 18-year-old Canadian, Victoria Mboko , by 2-6, 6-4, 6-1. That match made headlines not just for the score, but because Osaka’s speech afterward was very short only about 30 seconds and she forgot to congratulate Mboko. Many fans felt upset by this. But Andy Roddick , a famous former US Open champion from 2003, spoke up to defend Osaka, saying it’s okay to keep words short when emotions are high.
Andy Roddick defends Naomi Osaka after Canadian Open speech backlash
Andy Roddick, speaking on his Served podcast, said tennis is different players must talk right after losing, often too quickly.
He said, “We’re the only sport that is forced to talk after we lose.” He told listeners that Osaka seemed really hurt by the loss and couldn’t think or speak more.
He added, “I would rather her be friends with Victoria Mboko all the time than grandstand in front of a microphone. She doesn’t give a lot sometimes when she’s not ready to give a lot. And that’s fine.” Roddick reminded fans that Osaka is usually polite and well-liked.
Naomi Osaka apologizes to Victoria Mboko and explains short speech
Right after the final, Victoria Mboko thanked Osaka during her winner’s speech. She said she looked up to Osaka when she was very young.
Osaka then gave a very short speech and did not mention Mboko, which upset many people. She later said she “completely forgot to congratulate her on the court.”