Naomi Osaka at the 2021 US Open
Naomi Osaka broke down at the 2021 US Open post-match press conference following her loss to Leylah Annie Fernandez in the third round
Just when Naomi Osaka looked like she had found her groove, she suffered an upset defeat against Leylah Annie Fernandez of Canada in the third round of the ongoing 2021 US Open.
The world no.3 started off well in the first round with a straight-sets win over Marie Bouzkova of Czech Republic — 4-6, 1-6.
In the second round, Osaka got a walkover against Olga Danilovic of Serbia, to move into the third round.
After winning the first set, it looked like it would be another regulatory win for the Japanese star. But, it was not so, as Fernandez rallied back to beat her — 5-7, 7-6, 6-4.
The two-time US Open champion’s ambitions of getting her hands on the third was crushed.
Following her defeat, Osaka nearly broke down at the post-match press conference. Confused about what was next, Osaka revealed that she was going to take another break from tennis for a while.
Here is what Osaka had to say at the post-match presser:
“I feel like I’m kind of at this point where I’m trying to figure out what I want to do. Honestly, I don’t know when I’m going to play my next tennis match…I think I’m going to take a break from playing for a while.” [via Telegraph]
Naomi Osaka began 2021 with a bang. She saw off stars like Serena Williams, Garbine Muguruza to claim her second Australian Open Title.
But, Osaka began to look out of sorts of late. Struggling with mental health issues, Osaka withdrew from the 2021 French Open while it was going on. She also announced then that she would be skipping the Wimbledon as well, which she eventually did.
The 23-year old, however took part in the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games but was ousted in the third round, against Marketa Vondrousova in straight sets – 6-1, 6-4.
But, fans were excited to see their star back in action. And being the home-favourite at the 2021 US Open, she had the entire Arthur Ashe Stadium and the whole nation rooting for her.
Given the way, she began her 2021 US Open Campaign, it looked like she was back to being at her usual element best. But, it was not so.
Naomi Osaka, of late, has had a tough time keeping her mental health in check. Still only 23 (already has 4 Grand Slam wins to her name), Osaka has got a long way to go in her career.
It is worth noting that, Naomi’s sister Mari Osaka who is also a professional tennis player, announced her retirement from tennis, earlier this year, at the age of 25.
The pressures of staying at the top of one’s game have become immense in recent times, especially after the advent of social media.
Several stars across various sports have pulled out from major events over the past few months. Notable among them – Gymnast Simone Biles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Cricketer Ben Stokes – indefinite break.
Osaka should probably give it more time, and come back stronger than ever.
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