One of the top modern-day players, Naomi Osaka, is in not in the greatest of her forms recently. The 24-year-old has struggled since her return from a long break that she took because of her mental health and anxiety issues. It all started in 2021 when Osaka pulled out of the French Open. She won her first-round match in straight sets before leaving the tournament midway. While the organizers were furious about the sudden move, American tennis star Serena Williams threw her support behind the young Japanese.
Serena Williams backs Naomi Osaka.
“I feel for Naomi. I feel like I wish I could give her a hug. Because I know how it’s like. Like I have said, I have been in those positions,” she said.
Further, Williams gave her opinion on Osaka's move to take a break.
“We have different personalities, and people are different. Not everyone is the same. I am thick, other people are thin, so everyone is different. Everyone handles things differently. You just have to let her handle it the way she wants to in the best way she thinks she can." She added.
Another injury scare for Osaka.
Troubles for Osaka don’t seem to stop soon. The Japanese retired mid-way in her first-round match of the Canadian Open. Osaka struggled in the match and lost the first set. This will be a huge setback for her preparations for the US Open.
Osaka injury update.
Even though both Venus and Serena had a strong rivalry on the court, it never affected their sisterly bond. Together they have dominated women’s tennis for nearly two decades.