Andy Roddick has stepped in to defend Naomi Osaka following backlash over her brief runner-up speech at the 2025 Canadian Open in Montreal.
Speaking on his podcast, ‘Served,’ the former World No. 1 acknowledged the criticism but questioned the expectation that tennis players should deliver polished remarks immediately after a tough loss, often when emotions are still raw, saying Osaka should not be judged harshly for keeping her remarks short.
What Was Andy Roddick’s Take on Naomi Osaka’s Brief Canadian Open Speech?
The controversy erupted after Osaka’s 2-6, 6-4, 6-1 loss to 18-year-old local wildcard Victoria Mboko, a rising Canadian star who claimed her first WTA title dramatically. The defeat extended her title drought, with her last championship win coming at the 2021 Australian Open.
VICTORIA MBOKO WINS THE NATIONAL BANK OPEN 🤩🇨🇦#OBN25 | @OBNmontreal pic.twitter.com/SOa3RN2vLb
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) August 8, 2025
Osaka’s post-match speech lasted less than 30 seconds and included thanks to her team, organizers, and volunteers. However, it notably did not mention her opponent’s milestone victory.
“I don’t really wanna take up too much time. I’ll just say thank you to everyone. Thank you to my team, the ball kids, organizers, and volunteers. I hope you guys had a good night,” she said.
Naomi Osaka after losing to Victoria Mboko in Montreal final
“I don’t really wanna take up too much time. I’ll just say thank you to everyone. Thank you to my team, the ball kids, organizers, & volunteers. I hope you guys had a good night.”
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 8, 2025
The omission stood out even more when compared to Mboko’s heartfelt comments, where she thanked Osaka directly and described her as a longtime idol. Many fans took to social media to accuse the 27-year-old of downplaying the significance of Mboko’s win. The criticism was compounded by an earlier incident in the match, where Osaka was handed a code violation for hitting a ball into the stands after a double fault on break point.
Roddick, however, urged a more understanding perspective. “You could tell how much she wanted this,” he said on his recent podcast episode. “She didn’t really want to expand on the thought in the post-match speeches, which, you know, I see that people are like, ‘Oh, she should have said more.’ I don’t know. We’re the only sport that is forced to talk after we lose.”
The former World No. 1 stressed that athletes are rarely at their best immediately after defeat, and some simply need time before they can speak at length. “I would rather her be friendly with Victoria Mboko all the time than grandstand in front of a microphone,” he added.
Roddick described Osaka as “generally well-liked, polite,” and said, “She doesn’t give a lot sometimes when she’s not ready to give a lot. And that’s fine. In no other sport you have to go talk immediately in front of everyone and have the expectation set be, ‘Oh I have to not only be courteous but I actually have to give everyone their flowers in an appropriate way.’ I don’t know.”
How Did Naomi Osaka Address the Backlash Following the Incident?
After the incident, Osaka chose not to appear at her post-match press conference but shared remarks privately, which the WTA later relayed to the media, where she admitted she forgot to congratulate Mboko and praise the Canadian’s performance. She said her emotions had shifted quickly that day and stressed there was no ill intent behind the omission.
“I don’t know why my emotions flipped so quickly, but I’m really happy to have played the final. I think Victoria played really well. I completely forgot to congratulate her on the court. Yeah, I mean, she did really amazing, so…,” she said.
Later, Osaka addressed the matter on Threads, posting: “Thanks Montreal it’s been a really great run. 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. Honestly I was in a daze and I was so focused on not having the same speech as IW 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.”
View on Threads
Her mention of “IW 2018” referred to her awkward, self-effacing speech after winning Indian Wells, while the “Jenny/Jennifer” reference pointed to her 2021 Australian Open slip when she mistakenly called finalist Jennifer Brady by the wrong name.
After their deep runs in Montreal, both Osaka and Mboko withdrew from the Cincinnati Open. Despite being unseeded, they had each earned performance byes into the second round, but their withdrawals were confirmed soon after the Canadian Open final.
Shes a veteran player. She knows better. It was rude and dismissive, no matter how she was feeling, you express your disappointment in private.
Oh you perfect people. Step off your self-made pedestals.
Not pretending to be perfect. And Naomi didn’t commit the unforgivable sin, but I do believe she should have said congratulations, to Victoria. Only takes 3seconds.
Andy Roddic has sold out to the excuse making international tennis cabal he so desperately needs. He’s too woke for me.
Naomi, you’re not always going to be a winner. Grow up! Be as courteous in defeat as you are when you win. Mboko is from Canada, she’s 18 years old. Remember when she be Serena. Give me a break! She knows better.
Osaka showed poor sportsmanship. PTSD or not, acknowledging your opponent is the proper thing to do…and automatic. No excuse.