Former World No.1 Naomi Osaka has become a voice for social change in recent years in the sport of tennis. The Japanese sensation has struggled with mental health issues on the WTA Tour and has taken time off.

Osaka was in the headlines last summer, after withdrawing from both the French Open and Wimbledon. She was additionally fined $15000 for her media boycott in Paris. Despite these issues, she has battled to produce huge results in women’s tennis.

Osaka : The voice for change?

The 24-year old was part of a photoshoot with Dazed magazine after her unfortunate loss in the opening round at Roland Garros. In an interview, she spoke about her upbringing and ‘introverted’ nature. She is quoted saying, “As a kid growing up, I never really talked; I was the quiet one.”

“I was the one that wanted to just skate by unnoticed and conflict-free. But the beauty of growing up is learning and seeing things for yourself. As I grow I will learn more things, but at the moment I can only hope I’m using my platform well, she added.

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The former US Open champion revealed in 2021, that she was suffering from depression since claiming her first Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows in 2018. While many came out in support of Osaka after her withdrawal last year, her form has suffered majorly in the last two seasons. She was also the ‘torch-bearer’ for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics but failed to win any medal for Japan.

Will Naomi Osaka regain her best form?

After her 1st round loss against Amanda Anisimova in Paris, the Japanese was fallen to No. 38 in the world rankings. However, she has shown glimpses of her best reaching the final of the Miami Open, losing to current No. 1 Iga Swiatek.

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Naomi Osaka says she is leaning towards not competing at Wimbledon in light of the WTA’s decision to remove ranking points from the tournament in response to the All England Club’s ban of Russian and Belarusian players due to the invasion of Ukraine.

Osaka may not be part of the draw for this year’s Wimbledon, after the WTA decided to remove ranking points from the tournament. This is in response to the All England Club’s ban on Russian and Belarusian players due to the Ukraine invasion. The Japanese has not featured on grass since 2019.