“I feel like for me recently, like, when I win, I don’t feel happy,” Osaka said.
The defending US Open champion and a four-time major winner, Osaka struggled throughout much of the match against the 18-year-old Fernandez at Arthur Ashe Stadium, and her frustration was visible.
Before the tournament, Osaka said she wouldn’t be participating in news conferences at Roland Garros, citing her mental health, and the decision sparked a firestorm.
She played in just one lead-in event before the US Open, losing in the round of 16 to Jil Teichmann at the Western & Southern Open.
Despite her lack of matches, Osaka said she was feeling pleased with the state of her game entering the US Open during a pre-tournament news conference, calling it “really nice” to be back.