Naomi Osaka’s decision to withdraw from major tournaments this year has shaken up the pandemic-induced silence in the tennis circles. The last time the Japanese youngster played a tournament, she refused to participate in the mandatory post-game pressers.
When her request was denied and she was threatened with removal from the tournament, she withdrew after her first-round win over Patricia Tig.
After the French Open debacle, Naomi Osaka has also withdrawn from the Wimbledon Championships 2021. However, she will be participating in the Tokyo Olympics.
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The reasons Osaka cited were related to her mental health and need for some time for herself.
anger is a lack of understanding. change makes people uncomfortable.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 30, 2021
What happened with Naomi Osaka?
The World No2 did not attend the mandatory post-match press conference after her first-round win at Roland Garros. She did not want to talk to the media after her match, citing mental health reasons.
For this overreach, Roland Garros fined her $15,000. The sporting world did not take this news lightly, as many eminent personalities and sports stars spoke up in support of her.
A day after her first-round match and the media fiasco, Osaka tweeted the above post. She was certainly trying to send out a message through the tweet. She did not return for her second-round game and announced her withdrawal from the tournament.
What next for Osaka?
Osaka will certainly be absent from the Wimbledon Championships; however, she will not miss the Olympic Games in Tokyo. It will be a moment of pride for the Japanese national to play in front of her home crowd and bring them pride.
The four-time Grand Slam winner will have a lot of time to prepare for the grand event this summer.
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After the Olympics, Osaka will be hopeful of winning a few titles before heading for the US Open in August. She will look forward to defend her title in New York after winning the US Open in 2020.
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Naomi has already won the Australian Open this year in February. She will be hopeful of adding an Olympic Gold medal to her tally.
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With a strong mind and willpower, Naomi will be back with a bang for the rest of the year.
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