Naomi Osaka Reacts to ‘Most Devastating’ Question After US Open Semi-Final Defeat to Amanda Anisimova

SME News UK. Naomi Osaka’s inspiring run at the US Open came to an end on Thursday night as she fell 6-7(3), 7-6(4), 6-3 to Amanda Anisimova in a dramatic semi-final clash. The defeat denied the Japanese star a place in her first Grand Slam final since 2021 but also brought an emotional off-court moment when she was asked about a missed addition to her unique trophy collection.Osaka has been working with New York-based artist Kerin Rose Gold of A-Morir Studio, who designs custom Labubu figurines to celebrate each of her victories at the tournament. Every piece is tennis-inspired and tailored to Osaka’s journey. But after the loss to Anisimova, the four-time Grand Slam champion revealed with a smile – and a touch of heartbreak – which Labubu she missed out on.> “Oh, don’t make me cry, man. The most devastating question,” Osaka said when asked about the figurine.“I wanted to make one of myself in my outfit from last year – the green one with the bow. I’m sick about it. Honestly, I’m fine losing, but don’t ask me about this Labubu. Yeah, it would have been me.”Inspired, Not SadDespite the end of her perfect record in Grand Slam semi-finals, Osaka said she was far from discouraged. In fact, the 26-year-old described her performance as a personal milestone following her return to tennis after giving birth.> “Honestly, I don’t feel sad,” she admitted. “It’s really weird… I just feel like I did the best that I could. Honestly, it’s kind of inspiring for me, because it makes me want to train, try to get better, and give it my best shot again. I can’t be mad or upset at myself.”The defeat marked Osaka’s first appearance in the last four of a major since her 2021 Australian Open triumph and confirmed that she remains a major contender on the sport’s biggest stages.Anisimova’s Rise ContinuesAnisimova, 24, has now reached back-to-back Grand Slam finals after making the Wimbledon showpiece earlier this summer. Osaka praised the American’s fearless, unpredictable style of play.> “I kind of knew she’s that type of player,” Osaka said. “There’s no pattern to what she’s doing – she just hits to the open court, and it usually goes in. Obviously, she went to the Wimbledon final and now here, so it just shows she’s a really good player.”While Osaka heads home without another Labubu to add to her collection, her spirited performance and positive outlook suggest this will not be her last deep run at a major.