
07/26/2025
Naomi Osaka Takes a Dig at Emma Raducanu Ahead of Washington Open Clash
Naomi Osaka’s reported “dig” at Emma Raducanu ahead of their July 24, 2025, second-round clash at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, as cited by EssentiallySports, appears to stem from a misinterpretation of Osaka’s comments. No direct quote from Osaka explicitly criticizes Raducanu in the provided sources. Instead, Osaka expressed excitement about the matchup, saying, “I’m always a person that loves when people are entertained. I’ve never played her before, so for me, that’s something really cool too,” referencing Raducanu’s 2021 US Open win and her talent. This aligns with Osaka’s typically respectful demeanor, despite her own struggles with injuries and a post-maternity comeback, including a WTA 125K title in Saint-Malo in 2024. Raducanu, who won 6-4, 6-2, praised Osaka’s four Grand Slam titles and hard-court prowess, noting the match’s high anticipation. The “dig” narrative seems overstated, likely fueled by media hype rather than concrete evidence of animosity.