Naomi Osaka hit the news all over the world after she decided to withdraw from the French Open after a controversy that was centered on mental health. Naomi was particularly stressed right before the Roland Garros since she is well known for not being very comfortable when playing on clay courts.
According to Naomi’s sister Mari, the Japanese sensation was particularly upset after a family member criticizes her after and not so good performance on clay in the previous weeks. For this reason, Naomi Osaka declared that she would not attend any press conference during the French Open to avoid questions that you would put doubt in her mind. In doing that, Naomi cited mental health issues.
The French Open and the other slams didn’t take this statement nicely. Eventually, they threatened Naomi to be suspended not only from the current French Open but also from the other slams if she would still refuse to attend the press conferences. Therefore, Naomi Osaka decided to withdraw from the tournament.
The decision of the Japanese went mainstream since it raised important issues about mental health.
Singapore President Halimah Yacob and Naomi Osaka
The President of Singapore, Halimah Yacob, praised Naomi Osaka’s decision saying that she raised important questions about mental health. According to Halimah Yacob, Naomi sent a “strong signal” to the world by addressing such an important issue. This was part of her statement:
“I have great respect for Naomi Osaka. The four time Grand Slam champion pulled out from the French Tennis Open recently because of mental health issues. It must have been terribly difficult for her, at the prime of her career, to make that decision. But she did the right thing, and in doing so, sent a strong signal to millions around the world struggling with their mental health that it’s okay to walk away from a toxic and stressful environment, even if that will set you back for a while.”
Will Naomi Osaka play Wimbledon and the Olympics?
It’s not clear if Naomi Osaka will play in Wimbledon this year. After retiring from the French Open, Naomi Osaka went back straight to her residence in Los Angeles. The Japanese player decided to withdraw from the upcoming tournament in Berlin, and there are serious doubts about her participation at the Championships.
Naomi Osaka is also supposed to be the face of the upcoming Olympic Games. There are still doubts about her participation since been part of the Games in Tokyo would entail Naomi participating to many press conferences and events.
Osaka at the French Open, ranking, and results in 2021
Currently ranked no.2, the Japanese has an overall 14-3 match record in 2021. Osaka is playing at the French Open where she conquered Patricia Maria Tig 6-4 7-64.
Naomi Osaka |
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