Naomi Osaka’s Legendary Compatriot Opens up About Depression Like Never Before – ‘Even Thought About Retirement’

Kei Nishikori, the Japanese tennis player, recently shared a heartfelt message with his fans. During the US Open semifinals in 2018, Nishikori, who was ranked 21 at the time, was joined by fellow countrywoman Naomi Osaka. For the first time in the Open Era, a Japanese man and woman had competed in a Grand Slam semifinal match.

In an open letter to his fans, Nishikori discussed his struggle with depression and how it almost ended his career. In 2022, he failed to appear in any tournaments. Nishikori admitted that he was so depressed that he had considered turning away from tennis.

Compatriot of Naomi Osaka pens a heartfelt message

The Japanese tennis player, Kei Nishikori, had once backed his countrywoman, Naomi Osaka, when she was going through a tough time. She had stated that she would not participate in press conferences at Roland Garros in a bid to safeguard her mental well-being. He had extended his support and wished her a quick recovery in 2021.

Nishikori had hoped to play this year in the summer, during the North American hard court season. However, he encountered several obstacles during his recovery and ultimately missed the entire season.

Nishikori was quoted, “I was depressed, even thought about retirement..” Nishikori also shared that there is a 50/50 chance he will compete in the Australian Open. After pulling out of a few hard-court competitions, the Japanese player entered the Winston-Salem Open as a wildcard. In the end, Nishikori returned the wildcard for the Winston-Salem Open but he accepted a wildcard for the San Diego Open.

READ MORE- After Naomi Osaka’s Upset, Local Hero Kei Nishikori Continues To Unfurl Japan’s Flag at Tokyo Olympics 2020

However, his injuries prompted him to opt out of all matches in 2022. Nishikori further added that he was in rehab for painful 3 months. He also clarified,” ..was not able to hit on the court, that was tough mentally.” 

Nishikori had once applauded Osaka for her win at a major title

To express his gratitude for Osaka’s victory at the 2021 Australian Open, Kei Nishikori employed a novel technique. Nishikori isn’t a man of many words, so he merely used emojis to convey his excitement toward her victory in his tweet on Twitter.

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Osaka won her second Australian Open championship after defeating Jennifer Brady 6-4, 6-3. With both Japanese stars struggling to regain their full fitness and form on the court, can they make a comeback in 2023 and compete for the biggest titles? Let us know.