“Incredibly brave”, “Major respect” – Steph Curry, Venus Williams and more react to Naomi Osaka’s French Open withdrawal

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3 years ago

Naomi Osaka from Japan reacts after losing to Maria Sakkari from Greece in the quarter-finals at the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. Sakkari defeated Osaka in straight sets to advance to the semi-finals. PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxHUNxONLY MIA20210331129 GARYxIxROTHSTEIN

Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open citing mental health issues

World No.2 women’s tennis star Naomi Osaka pulled out of the ongoing French Open 2021 due to depression and the current ‘media-boycott’ row.

A few days prior to the tournament Osaka had announced that she would not be attending any press conferences at the Roland Garros. And she did so by skipping the first press conference following her first-round win over Patricia Maria Tig.

As a result, she was fined $15000, and also received flak from a few tennis professionals. Osaka was also warned of being banned from further major tournaments if she skipped press conferences.

In an unexpected turn of events, Osaka decided to withdraw from the French Open, issuing a long statement on social media. She mentioned in the statement that her withdrawal would shift the focus back to the tennis that “is going on”.

Osaka also claimed that depression wasn’t a new thing for her, since she had suffered “long bouts” of it since the US Open 2018.

Here is how the tennis world reacted to Osaka’s withdrawal on Twitter:

The following are tennis stars who reacted to her announcement on Instagram:

Basketball star Steph Curry reacts to Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal

A legion of celebrities across the globe voiced out their support, following Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open.

Golden State Warriors’ point guard Steph Curry showed his support for the Japanese star, along with a piece of advice, on Twitter.

He wrote:

“You shouldnt ever have to make a decison like this-but so damn impressive taking the high road when the powers that be dont protect their own. major respect @naomiosaka.”

Mental health and depression are not something to be taken lightly. Even the best of the best suffer from the pangs of depression. Hope Osaka makes a quick return!