Naomi Osaka jokes US Open exit stings less than missing her 'Osaka labubu' reveal

The semi-final loss didn't sting Naomi Osaka as much as the missed opportunity to flaunt the next installment, a special installment of her Labubu series -- a plush toy in the form of a miniature on-court companion, in the US Open final. The Japanese superstar joked that the biggest hurt from not being able to reach the final was not miss the reveal of self-inspired Labubu .

Over the last two weeks, Osaka entertained the crowd with her series of personality-inspired Labubus. Attached to the racquet bag in each of her matches, the different versions of the popular plush toy had become a hit on social media and among fans in New York.

She introduced Billie Jean Bling, modeled after the legendary Billie Jean King. Another, called La-Billie-Bu, also drew inspiration from King and even wore the Hall of Famer's signature red eyeglasses. She later unveiled Arthur Flashe, named in honour of Arthur Ashe, whose name adorns the U.S. Open's main stadium.

And in the final, Osaka was planning to get a Osaka edition-Labubu.

“Oh, don’t make me cry, man. Oh my God, the most devastating question,” Osaka said when asked what her labubu for the final would have been.

:"Oh, my God, that’s like the worst thing. Honestly, I’m fine losing, but don’t ask me about this Labubu, man. Yeah, it would have been me.”

Osaka shared more details, saying she thought of designing the Labubu based on a super-hit green costume that she wore at US Open last year, which includes a bow.

“I would have had the bow, and I’m sick about it,” she added.

I DON'T FEEL SAD: OSAKA

Noami Osaka, seeded No. 23, lost to Amanda Anisimova in a marathon three-setter on Thursday, September 4. Osaka was in a dominant position after winning the first set tie-breaker, but she allowed Anisimova to bounce back as her service game floundered. It was the end of a resurgent run as Osaka had made the semifinal of a Grand Slam for the first time since returning from maternity leave in 2024. Osaka showed glimpses of form that propelled her to four Grand Slam titles, but the Japanese star was not able to get past the penultimate hurdle.

Osaka said she would like to look at the positives from her comeback campaign in the US Open instead of being sad about losing the semifinal.

"Honestly I don't feel sad. It's really weird. Well, it's not weird, because I just feel like I did the best that I could. Honestly, it's kind of inspiring for me, because it makes me just want to train and try to get better, and hopefully just give it my very best shot again and see what happens," the former World No. 1 said.