‘Watching Athletes Struggle for a While’ – Naomi Osaka Says Her Decision to Withdraw From the French Open 2021 Was to Protect Herself

Sports have become extremely competitive in today’s day and age. With the advent of technology, the level of players across sports has constantly been on the rise. However, this level of competition has also had its side effects. It has taken a toll on the physical and mental health of athletes. Many players like Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles have opened up about their struggles with similar issues.

Further, take the example of four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka. The Japanese tennis star withdrew from last year’s French Open citing her mental health. She received the backing of fellow players on the tour, who also expressed their views on this matter. Recently, Osaka opened up on what led to her withdrawal from the French Open 2021.

Naomi Osaka wanted to protect herself

During an interview, the 24-year-old detailed why she withdrew from the clay-court Grand Slam tournament after the first round. She said, “Of course, the goal was to protect myself, whether I knew it or not. I’ve been kind of watching athletes struggle for a while.”

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Further, she revealed talking about mental health issues as an athlete, saying, “Yeah. So then, I kind of felt like, ‘Oh, I feel like we must not be allowed to have feelings, in a way.’ Just, like, kind of go out there, perform, and then go back in.”

Osaka announces her new partnership

Recently, the Japanese tennis star announced her new partnership with Victoria’s Secret. Osaka was thrilled to partner with this brand as she shared this news via a story on her official Instagram handle.

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In the tennis front, Osaka is missing from the ongoing Wimbledon Championships owing to an Achilles injury. However, she hopes to come back strongly in the hard court season later this year.