Osaka finds peace in defeat as Sabalenka ends Paris run

PARIS, June 1 : A few years ago, a defeat on a Grand Slam stage could have sent Naomi Osaka spiralling into self-doubt and isolation.

Now, after years marked by mental health struggles, long breaks from tennis and motherhood, the Japanese former world number one walked away from Roland Garros with a positive perspective instead of pain.

Osaka’s French Open campaign ended on Monday with a 7-5 6-3 fourth-round defeat by top seed Aryna Sabalenka, but the 28-year-old left Paris describing herself as “enlightened” and at peace with the emotional swings that once consumed her career.

“I would be very, very disappointed in myself after matches like these,” Osaka told reporters.

“If I lost this match when I was younger, I'd shut myself in my room or whatever. But now I feel like obviously I love tennis, and I'm trying my best to do everything to be the best player I can.”

The four-time Grand Slam champion, who revealed struggles with depression and anxiety and returned in 2024 following the birth of her daughter, said her priorities had shifted beyond results and rankings.

“It's kind of like a clock in/clock out type of thing,” she said.

“I'm excited to go home and see my daughter. Honestly, that's kind of the happiest moments of life for me.”

Osaka arrived in Paris with modest expectations on clay, a surface that has often troubled her, but produced her best run at Roland Garros by reaching the fourth round for the first time.

While Sabalenka’s relentless power eventually proved too much under the lights of Court Philippe Chatrier, Osaka said she no longer viewed defeats as defining moments.

“I kind of realised that it doesn't matter at all,” she said.

“The only thing I can keep doing is keep trying my best.”

Osaka’s relationship with