Naomi Osaka made her feelings known after advancing to the 2025 Canadian Open final, marking her first appearance in a WTA 1000 final since 2022. That year, she lost to Iga Świątek in the championship match.
This is the second time Osaka has reached a tournament final this season, having previously claimed the title at the 2025 L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo by defeating Kaja Juvan.
What Did Naomi Osaka Say After Reaching the 2025 Canadian Open Final?
During the post-match on-court interview after her victory over Clara Tauson in the semifinal, Osaka thanked the fans for supporting and cheering for her, particularly given the match’s late finish.
“Thank you. Thank you. Just you guys cheering, it really meant a lot. I’m pretty sure it’s super late right now, but thank you for sticking around, and I hope you guys also come watch the final,” she said.
The former World No. 1 also said that the final will be a “super lively” event as she will face Victoria Mboko, who is expected to receive robust support from the home crowd.
“I mean, she’s Canadian. I heard the applause from inside there. So, I’m pretty sure it’s going to be super lively, but I really appreciate that because it means you guys are invested in the match. But I hope some, like one or two people, cheer for me too, hopefully,” Osaka said.
At the 2025 Canadian Open, Osaka defeated qualifier Ariana Arseneault, 13th seed Liudmila Samsonova, 22nd seed Jeļena Ostapenko, and Anastasija Sevastova in the first four rounds.
In the quarterfinals, the four-time Grand Slam champion dominated 10th seed Elina Svitolina, claiming a 6-2, 6-2 victory before securing her place in the final after overcoming 16th seed Clara Tauson 6-2, 7-6(7).
Naomi Osaka’s reaction after reaching her first WTA 1000 final in more than 3 years.
She’s put in so much hard work since making her return to tennis.
This is the type of result she’s been working so hard for.
Couldn’t be happier for her. 🥹
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 7, 2025
Following her advancement to the final of the WTA 1000 hard court tournament in Montreal, Osaka took to social media to express her excitement.
“I’m so freaking grateful,” Osaka posted on Threads.
“AHHHHHHH 🥹❤️🎉🥳🎊,” she added.
Meanwhile, Mboko earned a wild card entry into the main draw and got past notable opponents such as Kimberly Birrell, 23rd seed Sofia Kenin, Marie Bouzkova, top seed Coco Gauff, Jéssica Bouzas Maneiro, and ninth seed Elena Rybakina.
Osaka and Mboko have never faced each other on the WTA Tour, and their matchup in the final in Montreal will be their first encounter.
