The bulls-eye on Naomi Osaka's back felt bigger than the swoosh on her shirt.
The world No. 1 said the stress of expectation, pressure pursuing a Grand Slam and nerves all played a part in her shocking straight-sets loss to Katerina Sinianakova in the Roland Garros third round.
More: Osaka Stunned in Paris
World No. 1 doubles player Siniakova snapped Osaka's 16-match major winning streak, 6-2, 6-4.
The two-time Grand Slam champion was disappointed and philosophical afterward saying the loss is "probably the best thing" that could have happened in allowing her time to reset.
"You know, it's weird, but I think me losing is probably the best thing that could have happened," Osaka said. "I think I was overthinking this, like, calendar slam.
"For me this is something that I have wanted to do forever, but I think I have to think about it like if it was that easy, everyone would have done it. I just have to keep training hard and put myself in a position again to do it hopefully. But for now, like, peacing out of this tournament, I' going home, like, Bye, I'm sorry, I'm not gonna miss you guys."
Osaka had her chances but did not capitalize going 0 for 7 on break-point opportunities in a 77-minute loss.
"Definitely I think this tournament I have had a feeling that was different to the other Grand Slams," Osaka said. "Or, like, every other Grand Slam that I have played, because usually I find it very freeing and fun, and this time around I was kind of tense the entire time."
The 21-year-old Osaka was bidding to make history: No woman had won a third Slam singles title in a row after winning her first two. Osaka, who said she suffered headaches throughout the tournament she suspects were stress-related, said her first Grand Slam as world No. 1 was not a joyful experience.
"I mean, I just feel like there has been a weight on me, kind of," Osaka said. "And I know that's because everything is, like, sort of new. Like, I have played French Open before but not in this circumstance or situation, whichever one. So, yeah, I mean, it hasn't been the happiest of times...
"I mean, I feel like the reason was because, like, I haven't been able to relax since I got here. Like, I have been tense, so maybe, like, even when I'm sleeping, I'm, like, Ahhh. And then maybe that makes me tired. I don't know. Like, I'm not a medical professional."
Photo credit: Getty