Naomi Osaka Withdraws From Wimbledon
Via her agent, Naomi Osaka will not participate in the upcoming Wimbledon tournament.
“Naomi won’t be playing Wimbledon this year,” her agent’s statement read via ESPN. “She is taking some personal time with friends and family. She will be ready for the Olympics and is excited to play in front of her home fans.”
Osaka withdrew from the French Open in the wake of a controversy. She announced in advance of the tournament her refusal to speak with the press during the tournament.
“I’ve often felt that people have no regard for athletes’ mental health and this rings true whenever I see a press conference or partake in one,” Osaka said via the Hill prior to the tournament at Rolland Garros.
Ultimately, Osaka pulled out of the French Open because she did not anticipate the scrutiny and backlash against her unwillingness to speak with the media after matches.
The 23-year-old tennis star revealed via Twitter her battle with depression since the 2018 U.S. Open:
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021
On Monday, Osaka withdrew from the German Open, which is considered a tune-up event for players of her caliber ahead of Wimbledon. Her decision to not appear in Berlin certainly felt like a red flag about Osaka’s likelihood of playing at Wimbledon.
This news from Osaka’s camp breaks on the same day Rafael Nadal announced he will not be playing at Wimbledon either. The 35-year-old Nadal is taking time off to rest and to recuperate. Unlike Osaka, Nadal will not participate in the Olympics.
A four-time Grand Slam winner, Osaka has yet to win at Wimbledon. If she remains committed, an appearance at the Summer Games in Tokyo will be her first as an Olympic athlete.
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Naomi Osaka Withdraws From Wimbledon
Via her agent, Naomi Osaka will not participate in the upcoming Wimbledon tournament.
“Naomi won’t be playing Wimbledon this year,” her agent’s statement read via ESPN. “She is taking some personal time with friends and family. She will be ready for the Olympics and is excited to play in front of her home fans.”
Osaka withdrew from the French Open in the wake of a controversy. She announced in advance of the tournament her refusal to speak with the press during the tournament.
“I’ve often felt that people have no regard for athletes’ mental health and this rings true whenever I see a press conference or partake in one,” Osaka said via the Hill prior to the tournament at Rolland Garros.
Ultimately, Osaka pulled out of the French Open because she did not anticipate the scrutiny and backlash against her unwillingness to speak with the media after matches.
The 23-year-old tennis star revealed via Twitter her battle with depression since the 2018 U.S. Open:
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021
On Monday, Osaka withdrew from the German Open, which is considered a tune-up event for players of her caliber ahead of Wimbledon. Her decision to not appear in Berlin certainly felt like a red flag about Osaka’s likelihood of playing at Wimbledon.
This news from Osaka’s camp breaks on the same day Rafael Nadal announced he will not be playing at Wimbledon either. The 35-year-old Nadal is taking time off to rest and to recuperate. Unlike Osaka, Nadal will not participate in the Olympics.
A four-time Grand Slam winner, Osaka has yet to win at Wimbledon. If she remains committed, an appearance at the Summer Games in Tokyo will be her first as an Olympic athlete.