Naomi Osaka slammed for what she did immediately after losing to Victoria Mboko as she's labelled 'classless'

Naomi Osaka was searching for her first WTA 1000 title in six years, as she took on Victoria Mboko in the Canadian Open final.

The Japanese star made a big change recently as Osaka switched coaches from Patrick Mouratoglou to Tomasz Wiktrowski.

Immediately finding form with the Pole in her corner, Osaka took down the likes of Jelena Ostapenko, Elina Svitolina, and Clara Tauson en route to the Canadian Open final.

Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

Standing between Osaka and the title was the talented home-favorite Victoria Mboko, who certainly looked nervous during the early goings.

Taking advantage of Mboko’s nerves, Osaka won the first set 6-2, as she moved within touching distance of the title.

However, she failed to hold on to the advantage, losing out in three sets, 6-2, 4-6, 1-6, as Mboko clinched the title.

After the match, Osaka failed to acknowledge Mboko in her runners-up speech, a move that was met with widespread criticism online.

Naomi Osaka labelled ‘classless’ for her runners-up speech

Taking to X, several fans shared their disappointment over Osaka’s runners-up speech.

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“Did [Naomi] Osaka seriously not congratulate [Victoria] Mboko?” one fan asked.

“I get being disappointed to lose – but yikes.”

“That was disappointing from a champion like Naomi Osaka,” added another.

“I understand she’s very upset, but not even acknowledging Mboko in her speech? That’s poor form.”

Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images

One fan suggested that another WTA star would’ve been ‘cooked’ if she had failed to congratulate an opponent during the speeches.

“If Sabs [Aryna Sabalenka] didn’t thank her opponent, she would’ve been cooked,” they said.

“Osaka was so rude.”

A number of fans were quick to criticize Osaka, but were keen to congratulate Mboko in the same breath.

“Pretty classless from Osaka with the lame handshake and worst runners-up speech I’ve ever seen,” one fan said.

“A hometown teenager beat her fair and square, and she can’t even congratulate her?

“Mboko is full marks for the win and outclassed Osaka with her speech too.”

“I’m stunned. Osaka has always been the epitome of class and grace. I don’t recognize this new Naomi,” added another disappointed fan.

“It’s kind of heartbreaking. But hey, let’s not let that distract from an incredible win by an incredible young lady.”

“That was disappointing from a champion like Naomi Osaka,” said another X user.

“I understand she’s very upset, but not even acknowledging Mboko in her speech? That’s poor form.

“Congrats, Victoria Mboko.”

Some fans were particularly disappointed with Osaka’s actions as Mboko had described her as her ‘idol’ recently.

“Your opponents’ first WTA win in her home crowd, and you don’t even congratulate her after she said she looks up to you,” one fan said.

“That’s not a good look, Osaka. I am a fan, but this is not good.”

“What the heck was that speech by Osaka during the NBO ceremony?” asked another.

“Didn’t acknowledge or congratulate Mboko. I’ve never seen that before. Brutal, especially considering she’s Mboko’s idol.”

Unfortunately, the criticism didn’t end there for Osaka, as she had already disappointed fans with her attitude during the final itself.

Fans say Naomi Osaka ‘gave up’ during the Canadian Open final

Various other comments came in from X users upon the conclusion of the final, criticising the 27-year-old for the way she applied herself in the second and third sets.

Looking to put the defeat behind her, Osaka may well make a swift return to action in Cincinnati.

The Japanese star is scheduled to begin her campaign in the second round against Linda Noskova later this week.

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