Naomi Osaka has delivered a fiery response to critics after facing fierce backlash over her extravagant walk-on outfits following her exit from the US Open. The four-time Grand Slam champion saw her campaign in New York come to an end on Monday, falling in straight sets to second seed Elena Rybakina in the round of 16. Throughout the tournament, Osaka turned heads by stepping onto court in bold, custom walk-on designs that sparked major debates across social media. While many celebrated the striking looks, a vocal section of fans accused Osaka of letting her fashion overshadow her tennis, particularly after her defeat to Rybakina. Firing back on Instagram Threads, Osaka made it abundantly clear that she has no interest in catering to her detractors. 'You know… idgaf [I don't give a [expletive] if you don’t like me,' Osaka wrote: 'I don’t mind being the first to do something and getting trashed for it. 'This happened when I talked about mental health and for some reason it’s happening with my clothes lol. 'I’m literally Haitian it’s in my blood to be this way, as long as the people after me have an easier path it’s worth it.'

Earlier in the week, Osaka had also posted on her Threads account: 'I refuse to be confined by the box you attempt to put me in.' The defiant statement capped an emotional week in Flushing Meadows for the former World No. 1, who saw her hopes of reclaiming the US Open title crushed by Rybakina. Osaka had initially turned heads before a ball was even hit in the round of 16 clash, arriving on court in an eye-catching, oversized hooded coat lined with thick faux-fur. However, following the result, viewers quickly took to social media to mock the ensemble after Osaka fell flat on the court. One critical viewer wrote on X: 'Osaka comes out in a ridiculous coat and gets absolutely smoked in 1st set.

Maybe leave the ludicrous bling in the locker room.' 'Naomi Osaka latest outfit, looks like an oversized fur coat number? Meanwhile her opponent and fellow elite athlete Elena Rybakina entered in her playing outfit, not seeking any attention just here to play a match of tennis,' another wrote. The online backlash proved swift as Rybakina wasted no time seizing complete control of the contest, ruthless on serve and blasting groundstrokes past Osaka to snatch the opening set 6-1 in a blistering 22 minutes. Osaka offered stiffer resistance in the second set, however, Rybakina's relentless power proved decisive once again, breaking through in the crucial stages to seal the set 6-4 and punch her ticket to the quarterfinals in just over an hour.

Speaking in her post-match press conference, Osaka reflected on her evolving perspective toward tough losses. 'I think I'm happy I'm taking losses differently. I'm trying to learn from them a lot more,' Osaka told reporters. 'Today if I was to say I'm sad, I was sad that I couldn't push off on my foot. I'm sad I couldn't do what I set out to do.' 'But for me, if I think about my life, my daughter is healthy. Everyone in my family is great. I had an opportunity to play this Slam. I got as far as I could. It's only up from here I guess.'