ESPN faces backlash after irresponsible Naomi Osaka remarks on US Open broadcast
ESPN faces backlash after irresponsible Naomi Osaka remarks on US Open broadcast
Andrew Gamble Sun, September 6, 2026 at 3:05 AM UTC
0
Naomi Osaka won a hard-fought battle against Elise Mertens in the third round of the US Open (Image: Dustin Satloff, USTA via Getty Images)
Tennis enthusiasts expressed anger after ESPN commentators seemingly implied Naomi Osaka was experiencing a "mental health issue" during her third-round match. On Saturday, Osaka - who impressed fans with her stunning pre-match outfit earlier this week - stepped back onto the court to face Elise Mertens.
The two players delivered an exciting contest, with Osaka claiming the opening set before Mertens equalized and forced a tense and extended third-set decider, which the four-time Grand Slam winner ultimately secured 6-3, 3-6, 7-5. Yet, while the on-court action was impressive, numerous US Open viewers found themselves distracted by commentary from the ESPN broadcast booth, which alluded to Osaka's previous challenges.
The Japanese star was facing difficulties in the second set when her prior mental health struggles were cited as a possible explanation. "The Naomi Osaka commentators on ESPN unlimited are f------ miserable man. Hearing this boomer say Osaka is having mental health problems on the court right now is wild," one viewer posted. It comes after Taylor Fritz's ex-girlfriend Morgan Riddle attended the US Open to watch a rival player.
Gael Monfils announces entirely new career after US Open exit
US Open star's family has received horrific death threats
"@espn and @usopen not cool at all when the broadcaster assumes Naomi Osaka is having a 'mental health issue' simply based on how she is playing. Honestly, I just muted the TV because both commentators would rather express their opinions then give at least one stat," another added.
Another user posted: "@usopen super unprofessional to have to the broadcaster assume Naomi Osaka is having a 'mental health issue' just because she's not playing well. How about he does HIS job???"
Osaka needed medical treatment during the match (Image: Getty Images)
Osaka is a prominent advocate for mental health awareness, notably pulling out of the 2021 French Open while citing her well-being. She received a $15,000 fine and faced potential disqualification after declining to participate in required post-match media sessions, explaining that the conventional format and rigorous questioning significantly intensified her anxiety.
Advertisement
Throughout recent years, Osaka has disclosed she experienced extended periods of serious depression and social anxiety following her initial Grand Slam victory at the 2018 US Open. She has since emerged as a vocal proponent for mental health awareness, and after welcoming her daughter, has discussed candidly about the psychological challenges of returning to top-level tennis, body confidence issues, and balancing public scrutiny with her performance on court.
During the third set, trailing 2-4, Osaka requested a medical timeout for treatment on her calf. Nevertheless, she pushed through and secured the victory, surprising even herself.
"Honestly, I can't believe I won this match," Osaka said in her on-court interview. "I mean, thank you guys for staying and cheering me on, like - there was a certain point like, I don't know, I feel like I put my entire heart on the court and felt like I kept trying every single point and you guys were cheering on me on, so thank you so much. I'm literally shocked that I won this match I'm not even gonna lie to you."
She added: "Honestly, I didn't feel like I played amazing, and it was really getting me down, like I was very negative on myself, so I'm really sorry about my behavior. For the little kids watching, I'm really sorry.
"This is my favorite tournament so I really wanted to play well in front of you guys. I'm really glad that I have an opportunity to player another match."
Osaka is set to face the victor of the match between No. 2 Elena Rybakina and Yuliia Starodubtseva in the fourth round of the US Open on Monday, September 7.
Source: “AOL Sports”
