‘Leaving With a Completely Different Emotion’ – Naomi Osaka Makes a Statement After Shock Exit at French Open 2022

It was the 2021 French Open. Second seed Naomi Osaka had won her first-round match. However, she caught everyone’s attention when she announced her withdrawal from the tournament after being fined for skipping media obligations. Subsequently, she took some time off-court to focus on her mental well-being.

It was a completely different case this year as Osaka entered the tournament in good physical and mental shape. However, her campaign was cut short by Amanda Anisimova of the United States in the opening round. The American was also her nemesis at the Australian Open this year. After her elimination, Osaka reviewed her clay-court European season.

Naomi Osaka takes positives out of her clay-court season

The Japanese star took to Instagram to bid adieu to Paris. Reviewing her time in Europe, she said, “These past few weeks in Europe have been a real character test but I’m glad I came. Overall just really happy this year I’m leaving with a completely different emotion than the previous one. Ty Paris.”

After her exit from the French Open 2022, Osaka revealed she is unsure of her participation at Wimbledon Championships because of the points situation. Earlier this month, the WTA had stripped ranking points from the tournament after its decision to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes. Talking on this subject, Osaka said, “I’m someone who gets motivated by the idea of rising in the rankings. The intention of this measure was good, but the execution is all over the place.” 

DIVE DEEPER: ‘Let’s Do This!’ – Former American Tennis Player Pitches a Crazy Idea to Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Martina Navratilova, and Others to Reform the WTA Italian Open

Anisimova maintains her excellent record against Osaka

The American tennis star took her head-to-head record against the former World Number 1 to 2-0 after her first-round victory at the French Open 2022. Anisimova was dominant right from the word go as she broke Naomi’s serve thrice in the first set. Meanwhile, the Japanese could only manage two breaks of serves as she lost the opening set, 7-5.

WATCH THIS STORY: The Greatest Comebacks in Tennis

Further, the second set was a one-sided affair, with Anisimova doing well to hold her serve while breaking Naomi’s serve once. The American eventually took the second set 6-4. In the second round, Anisimova will face Donna Vekic of Croatia.