Naomi Osaka reduced to tears on court after heckler shouts ‘You suck!’ during defeat

The Japanese star misplaced in straight units in her second-round match (Footage: Getty)

Naomi Osaka was dropped at tears by a spectator throughout her straight units defeat to Veronika Kudermetova at Indian Wells, addressing the heckler in a robust post-match interview.

The Japanese star, taking part in simply her third occasion since taking a break in September to focus on her psychological well being, was taunted within the second recreation of the match after shedding her opening service recreation.

Throughout a lull in play earlier than Kudermetova was attributable to serve within the second recreation, a feminine spectator within the crowd was clearly heard yelling, ‘Naomi, you suck’.

Osaka mentioned she was actually affected by the heckler (Image: Getty)

The 24-year-old appeared visibly distressed, not managing to win a single recreation within the first set as she slipped to a 6-0 6-4 loss, and will later be seen wiping away tears.

Throughout a change of ends, a tearful Osaka even requested the umpire if she may use her microphone to talk to the heckler straight.

Whereas that request was denied, the previous world primary was allowed to present an on-court post-match interview – which is often reserved for the winner.

As Osaka held again the tears, she advised the group that the incident reminded her of when Venus and Serena Williams have been booed on the identical event in 2001 – an incident which noticed them boycott Indian Wells for 14 years.

The Williams household have been jeered and booed at Indian Wells in 2001 (Getty)

‘I really feel like I’ve cried sufficient on digital camera however I simply wished to say… to be trustworthy, I’ve been heckled earlier than and it didn’t actually trouble me,’ mentioned an emotional Osaka.

‘Nevertheless it’s like, being heckled right here… I’ve watched a video of Venus and Serena getting heckled right here and should you’ve by no means watched it it's best to watch it.

‘And I don’t know why, nevertheless it went into my head and it obtained replayed lots. I’m making an attempt to not cry. I simply need to say thanks, and congratulations [to Kudermetova].’

Osaka has struggled along with her psychological well being since successful her first Slam (Getty)

As Osaka walked off court docket, the interviewer mentioned: ‘I simply need to let you know, on behalf of all people right here, that out of about 10,000 folks, one individual’s voice can’t weigh out 9,999 others. And we love you right here.’

The incident Osaka referenced involving the Williams sisters occurred 21 years in the past when Venus pulled out of a semi-final match towards her sister, with each her and her father, Richard, jeered once they took their seats to observe Serena within the remaining.

Serena was then subjected to boos all through the match – and would nonetheless really feel ‘traumatised’ when she returned to Indian Wells for the primary time in 2015 – whereas Richard later mentioned he had been the goal of racial abuse that day.

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