Andy Roddick has come to Naomi Osaka’s defense as the American tennis legend suggests people should be more understanding of the Japanese and the situation she was in, instead of harshly criticizing her.  After Victoria Mboko came back from a set down to beat Osaka 2-6 6-4 6-1 in the Montreal final, the thing that stole the spotlight was the Japanese’s on-court speech. In her message, the four-time Grand Slam champion kept it pretty short, only thanking the organizers and her team – she didn’t congratulate the 18-year-old Canadian on her maiden WTA 1000 victory.

Across social media, Osaka started receiving all kinds of scrutiny as many called out what they thought was an “unclassy” act.

On the latest episode of his podcast, Roddick – a former world No. 1 – highlighted players don’t feel well after losing a final. And still, they are basically forced to speak on the court and before having a chance to calm down and let their thoughts settle.

Roddick defends Osaka: She is generally well-liked, polite, and everyone likes her

“She didn’t really want to expand a lot in the post-match speeches. I see people are saying ‘she should’ve said…’, I don’t know, we’re the only sport that is forced to talk after we lose. Obviously, we’re not our best selves in that situation, and if people are, great, if they’re not, they’re not,” the 2003 US Open winner said on the Served with Andy Roddick podcast.

“I would rather her be friendly with Vicky Mboko all the time than at Grandstand in front of a microphone. I don’t know if either is true, but Naomi is generally well-liked, polite, everyone likes her, and she doesn’t give a lot sometimes when she’s not ready to give a lot, and that’s fine.”

After the Montreal final, Osaka said that she “completely forgot” to congratulate Mboko on the court. Then, in a Threads post, the Japanese apologized to the 18-year-old Canadian for the second time.