Naomi Osaka has publicly apologized to Victoria Mboko after forgetting to congratulate the Canadian teenager after winning the Montreal Open. The 27-year-old, who was playing her first WTA 1000 final since 2022, took to social media to clear the air and give her opponent the praise she felt she deserved.
“Thanks Montreal, it’s been a really great run,” Osaka said. “I also want to say sorry and congratulations to Victoria. You played a great match and have an amazing career ahead! I realize I didn’t congratulate you on the court.
She further added, “Honestly, I was in a daze and I was so focused on not having the same speech as [Indian Wells] 2018 finals or the Jenny/Jennifer situation that I tried to make my speech as short as possible. Thanks everyone for the week, see you in NY.”
The “Jenny/Jennifer situation” Osaka referenced dates back to a moment earlier in her career when she accidentally misnamed an opponent during a post-match speech.
For Mboko, the week in Montreal was nothing short of career-defining. At just 18 years old, she became the fifth-youngest player ever to win the title and will rise to a career-high ranking of world No. 25 when the new standings are released.
She defeated four Grand Slam champions in a single event, a feat only Serena Williams achieved at a younger age, back in 1999.
The final saw Mboko hold her nerve against one of her childhood idols. When the final point was won, she threw her racquet aside and dropped to her knees as the stadium erupted.
Osaka, meanwhile, leaves Montreal with positives despite the loss. This incredible run secures her a seeded position at the US Open later this month. While she was disappointed not to lift the trophy, she praised Mboko’s performance both on court and in her follow-up apology.
For Osaka, Montreal was a step forward in her comeback. For Mboko, it may be the moment her career truly took flight.