People have the right to be upset," Roddick defends Osaka's post-match speech in Montreal
Defeated in the final of the WTA 1000 in Montreal, Naomi Osaka did not hide her disappointment during the trophy ceremony, forgetting to congratulate her opponent Victoria Mboko.
Although this oversight was not intentional (the player confirmed this in a press conference), the controversy quickly escalated on social media. In the latest episode of his podcast *Served*, Andy Roddick spoke on the topic, defending Osaka:
"She didn’t want to linger too long during that post-match speech. I see people saying, 'She should have said this…' I don’t know, because it’s the only sport where we’re forced to speak after a loss. Of course, we’re not at our best in that situation. If people are, great, and if they’re not, too bad.
I’d rather be friends with Victoria Mboko all the time rather than just on the court with a microphone. Naomi Osaka is generally well-liked and polite. She doesn’t give much when she doesn’t feel like it, and that’s perfectly fine.
No other sport demands that you go and speak immediately in front of everyone with the expectation not only to be courteous but also to pay tribute to everyone appropriately. I don’t know, people have the right to be upset.
We are asking for too much that they be great diplomats as well. Some are, some aren't.
We don't ask our top diplomats to show us their tennis skills and criticise them if they can't play for peanuts! It's unfair.
@Belinda, are you always perfect in whatever you do? Do you feel happy when you lose matches or don't get the expected results in life. Just think about it.
Just because we have freedom to write, should we write such negative stuff about others? I am sure you understand how much hard work Naomi must have put in to play at this level. Have you guys played any atp/wta level tournament?