OSAKA APOLOGISES FOR PLAYING THE 'WORST MATCH' OF HER LIFE

Naomi Osaka continues to soul search after her recent defeat. (Getty / Robert Prange)

Four-time major winner Naomi Osaka has issued an apology for producing the "worst match" of her life after suffering a disappointing straight sets exit at Indian Wells.

The 27-year-old lost to Colombia's Camila Osorio 4-6 4-6 in the first-round of the WTA 1000 event in her third tournament appearance this year.

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After her surprising defeat, Osaka criticised her display by posting an honest message on Threads.

"Worst match I've ever played in my life. Wow, I'm so sorry to everyone who watched that," the former world No.1 wrote.

The Japanese star has struggled with fitness since returning in January 2024 from maternity leave.

Osaka reached the final of New Zealand's ASB Classic earlier this year, yet was forced to retire after the first set due to an abdominal injury, before also pulling the pin after the opening set against Belinda Bencic in the third-round at Melbourne Park for the same issue.

She is expected to travel to Miami for another 1000 event, which commences on March 17.

The dual Australian Open champion is currently No.61 in the world as things stand.

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