"Don't make me cry" - Naomi Osaka responds to tough question after semifinal exit

Former WTA world No. 1 Naomi Osaka was defeated in the US Open semifinals by Amanda Anisimova (24, world No. 9) with a score of 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3.

However, the 27-year-old made a significant impression at this year's tournament with her distinctive outfits and the Labubu dolls that accompanied her to every match.

Osaka's best Grand Slam result since 2021 came at the US Open, reaching the semifinals.

Despite her loss to Amanda Anisimova, the world no. 24 positively assessed her performance in this year's competition, a tournament she previously won in 2018 and 2020.

"Honestly, I don't feel sad. It's very strange. Actually, it's not strange, because I feel like I did everything I could.

"Honestly, it's inspiring for me because it makes me want to train and try to get better, and hopefully, give my all again and see what happens. But I don't think I can be upset or dissatisfied with myself," she stated in the post-match press conference.

Her English-language interaction with journalists concluded with a question that visibly moved her.

"Oh, don't make me cry, man. Oh my God, the most devastating question," she remarked.

The question pertained to the Labubu doll she would have brought with her if she had qualified for the final.

"I just talked about this, but I wanted to be one with my outfit from last year, and it was the green one. I would have had the bow, and I'm upset about that. Oh my God, that's the worst thing. Honestly, I don't mind losing, but don't ask me about Labubu, man. Yeah, that would have been me," Naomi responded.

In 2024, she showcased an elaborate outfit in two variations: black for evening matches and pistachio green for daytime, featuring a massive bow on the back of the jacket that was part of the ensemble.

However, she only wore each version once, as she was eliminated in the second round by Karolina Muchova.

This year, in addition to another exclusive outfit in red and lavender purple versions, the former world No. 1 presented personalized, tennis-themed Labubu figurines at each court appearance.

Each doll was covered in rhinestones and given a humorous, tennis-inspired name.

Osaka introduced Billie Jean Bling, Arthur Flashe, LaBillieBu, Althea Glitterson, and, after her quarterfinal victory on Wednesday night, Andre Swaggassi.

"Honestly, I'm not a Labubu collector!" Osaka told reporters in New York during the US Open.

"It's more of a unique thing for the tournament. It started as a joke, so I'm glad people like it," she added.

Each sparkling figurine takes approximately 13 hours to create and is crafted by New York artist Kerin Rose Gold of A-Morir Studio, who also designed Osaka's crystal hair accessories and headphones, according to Yahoo! Life.

Gold began with a red Billie Jean Bling and a purple Arthur Flashe to match Osaka's flower-inspired Nike outfits.

She then hand-crafted new figurines after each of Osaka's victories.

An interesting detail: these are not official Labubu toys. Gold uses 3D printing and molds to create them from scratch, calling her originals "Lablingblings."

Interested collectors can purchase their own Lablingling – including Osaka's custom pieces – for a limited time from the A-Morir studio's online store, with prices ranging from $495 to $525.

Osaka's first viral Labubu debuted after her first-round victory against Greet Minnen.

"My favorite part of the match? I think my little Labubu," Osaka said.

"I didn't expect everyone to like Billie Jean Bling. I'm glad it made people laugh today," Naomi stated at the time.

In the end, however, she was saddened that she couldn't display the final one, representing herself.