Naomi Osaka has hit back at her critics (Image: Getty)
has taken to social media to respond to someone calling her a ‘fluke’.
The Japanese player was last seen due to a back problem which forced her to withdraw two games into her clash with .
Osaka won the opening set before Gauff levelled with a 6-4 success in the second set, but the final set lasted just two games before the 26-year-old uneasily hobbled off of the court, with Gauff helping by carrying her bag back to the locker room.
Osaka returned to competitive tennis in January following the birth of her daughter Shai last year. The former world No.1 has hopes of rising back up the rankings – after slipping down to world No. 73 whilst sidelined.
Osaka remains determined to bounce back to form once she has recovered from her back injury, and she was not willing to entertain any criticism on social media whilst travelling back from China.
She wrote on Threads: “I just saw someone call me a fluke. How is it possible to be a fluke with 4 Grand Slams, lighting the torch, beating multiple top 20 opponents and being close to top 50 the year after giving birth?
Naomi Osaka returned to action earlier this year (Image: Getty)
“Foh, you couldn’t even touch one of my accomplishments with your fingernail.” She then shared her post on with the caption: “did I lieeeee????”
Osaka’s comments come after her new coach Patrick Mouratoglou praised her efforts during their first tournament together, despite the trip to Beijing ending on a sour note due to a back injury.
Coco Gauff helped her rival to the locker room (Image: Getty)
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The Frenchman has been tasked with helping Osaka get her career back on track after a shaky string of performances, and the coach appears to be pleased with what he saw during the debut tournament of their partnership.
Mouratoglou wrote on : “It’s been our first tournament together with @naomiosaka and it was so rich in terms or learning. From the practice sessions to the warm ups on match days, to all the preparations and the match briefing and debriefings, I got so much to learn about her. I also got to spend time with the amazing team around her.
“I am really proud of all her efforts, her focus and willingness to learn and progress. It’s the best attitude to be in a growth process. Now is time to heal and get ready for new challenges.”