.The 23-year-old tennis superstar made the announcement on Thursday. Last month, she also withdrew from the French Open to care for her mental health.
What We Know:
- Osaka’s agent broke the news to ESPN in a statement. It declares that Osaka intends on “taking some personal time with friends and family.” Despite this, she will compete in next month’s Tokyo Olympics; she will represent Japan, her native country.
- Many already began to speculate she would not compete after she pulled out of the Berlin WTA 5000 grass-court tournament.
- The tennis competition’s official Twitter showed their support via a post. They wished her the best at the Olympics and hoped for her return next year.
You’ll be greatly missed, @naomiosaka – wishing you all the best at home and the Olympics and hope to welcome you back next year pic.twitter.com/avQzhFDm8U
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) June 17, 2021
- Osaka became an icon after her 2018 U.S. Open win in which she defeated Serena Williams. Since then, she revealed she struggled with anxiety and depression while adjusting to her newfound fame.
- She became so overwhelmed with the limelight that she found it hard to do press conferences. This issue caused an uproar last month when she chose not to participate in any media events. The French Open officials disliked her decision and fined her $15,000. She responded by taking herself out of the competition; she also explained her choice in a tweet.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021
- Her candidness garnered support across every sport. Athletes who applauded her include Kyrie Irving, Venus Williams, Coco Gauff, Lewis Hamilton, and more. It also raised conversation as to whether or not athletes should choose to speak with the press after events.
Osaka is not the only tennis champ withdrawing from Wimbledon. Rafael Nadal removed himself from the tournament last week as well; in a series of tweets, he wrote that after listening to his body, he determined he should sit out the games this year. He declared this would help him prolong his career.
