# Naomi Osaka reveals why she cries during Asian swing ahead of China Open

- URL: https://apitofinal.pt/en/modalidades-en/tenis-en/naomi-osaka-reveals-why-she-cries-during-asian-swing-ahead-of-china-open/
- Published: 2026-10-02T15:19:47+00:00
- Updated: 2026-10-20T18:13:48+00:00
- Publisher: Apito Final (apitofinal.pt)
- Section: Ténis
- Tags: China Open, Karolina Muchova, Maria Timofeeva, Naomi Osaka, tennis, WTA 1000

## Key points

- Naomi Osaka says fans' letters and gifts in Asia move her to tears, and she never feels them as a burden.
- Osaka, who won the 2019 Beijing title, is seeking her third WTA 1000 trophy at this year's China Open.
- Following her US Open fourth-round exit, Osaka said she was happy with her consistency but sad not to go further.

## Article

Naomi Osaka Poignantly Opens Up About Emotional Struggles on Asian Swing Ahead of China Open Campaign

Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, is set to pursue her third WTA 1000 title at the China Open in Beijing, where she will begin her campaign against Maria Timofeeva in the second round. Osaka previously triumphed at this prestigious event in 2019, overcoming former World No.1 Ash Barty after dropping the first set to claim her second WTA 1000 trophy. That victory marked her second title on the Asian swing, following her Pan Pacific Open success in the same season.

In a revealing pre-tournament press conference, Osaka shared the deeply personal reasons behind her emotional reactions whenever she competes in Asia. “When I come here, I just feel like they’re so grateful that the players come, and they always give such amazing presents and notes,” Osaka explained. “Whenever I come here, people give me letters, and I always read them and cry because they’re so touching, so yeah, it’s never felt like a burden or anything like that.” These heartfelt connections with fans clearly resonate strongly with the Japanese star, influencing her mental state on the court.

Since her 2019 Beijing victory, Osaka has yet to add another WTA 1000 title to her collection. Last year, her China Open run ended early in the second round. Reflecting on her global fanbase, she remarked, “I feel like I’ve always been really fortunate because, to your point, I’ve been able to have fans around the world, so it’s never felt like one place has more than any other. It’s kind of like a melting pot of a community that is really kind to me.”

Osaka, 28, has demonstrated steady form throughout 2024, reaching deeper stages in several tournaments, including a career-first quarterfinal appearance at Wimbledon. She also advanced to the final of the Bad Homburg Open—her first career final on grass—but conceded a walkover to Wimbledon runner-up Karolina Muchova. Most recently, at the US Open, Osaka’s campaign ended in the fourth round against eventual champion Elena Rybakina. Despite the loss, she expressed a positive mindset: “I was not sad or disappointed,” she said. “I’m happy I’m taking losses differently.”

However, at the China Open press conference, Osaka admitted to feeling a mix of emotions following her US Open exit. “I am happy with the consistency,” she said. “I think, obviously, from Wimbledon to now, I’ve reached deeper in tournaments, or more consistently deeper in tournaments than before, so I’m happy about that. Obviously, the US Open means a lot to me, so I’m sad I couldn’t have gotten further, but I’m hopeful for this swing.”

Osaka’s Grand Slam pedigree includes two US Open titles in 2018 and 2020, yet she has not contested a Major final since winning the 2021 Australian Open. Her deepest recent Major run was a semifinal at last year’s US Open. In WTA 1000 events, Osaka has reached three finals since her 2019 Beijing triumph, including a quarterfinal appearance at this year’s Canadian Open, where Rybakina eliminated her.

The reigning China Open champion, Amanda Anisimova, has withdrawn from the season due to a wrist injury. Elena Rybakina enters Beijing as the top seed, aiming to secure her third major title of 2024 following victories at the Australian and US Opens.

Naomi Osaka’s emotional candor and determined outlook set the stage for a compelling China Open campaign as she seeks to reclaim her place among the sport’s elite.