Mom on a mission 🕵️♀️ @naomiosaka fights her way into the next round after defeating Garcia in straight sets 7-5, 6-4. #QatarTotalEnergiesOpen
"Why are some people still so hurt by something that happened three years ago": Naomi Osaka responds to being called out for Roland Garros controversy
WTAThursday, 29 February 2024 at 18:30
Naomi Osaka has responded to being called out for her controversial media boycott at the French Open in 2021.
Osaka declined to speak to reporters while at Roland Garros (French Open) and withdrew from the tournament altogether three years ago, sparking great debate about mental health in athletes competing at the top-level in sport.
The Japanese star has been open about her struggles mentally since winning the US Open in 2018, and responded to a comment left on her Instagram profile that read: "Is this the same Naomi Osaka who refuses to talk to the media and cries foul on questions that are both appropriate and necessary."
Read also
Osaka showed her reply in a now-deleted post: "I didn't talk for one tournament in 2021. You seem very affected by that. Are you ok?
"Honestly lol because why are some people still so hurt by what happened to me 3 years ago?"
"Beyonce would've be disappointed"
Osaka explained afterwards why she deleted the post showing the interaction, saying that keeping it up would be something one of her role models would disapprove of. "Had to delete because WWBD [what would Beyonce do] and I know Beyonce would've been disappointed."
The pair have forged a bond over the last few years, with the artist seen giving encouragement to Osaka after her fourth round defeat at the US Open in 2019. She has also been seen attending the American singer-songwriter's concerts.
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- LOL.MrAndreeva10-05-2024
- My money is simply on fatigue. She's not the compact 'muscle-man'-type like perhaps Sabalenka, Swiatek or Sakkari. She's a player desperately longing for some kind of Djokovic rhythm. She should skip lots to win more majors. And the rumour I thought wasn't it Long Covid?MrAndreeva10-05-2024
- If there is some other reason, like exhaustion or self-preservation by not playing in consecutive tourneys, then simply say so. There's no shame in self preservation. Since the WTA obviously does not seriously consider a player's physical and mental stress as they schedule back-to-back majors, it's okay to adhere to such a healthy agenda and admit it. The illness thing is kind of suspect at this point; if only because of the timing pattern.
mandoist10-05-2024 - So, Elena Rybakina has again withdrawn due to illness (in Rome). Fans are concerned if this is truly a gastrointestinal issue. Why the secrecy? Is it truly an illness causing these withdrawals? It may be helpful -- even encouraging -- for others whom also suffer whatever illness is ongoing here to know what she is dealing with; and how. A form of Colitis? Ulcers? What's up? Timing has been last minute. It's a bummer all around.mandoist10-05-2024
- Tennis is ridiculous to maintain the tradition of silence. If they can play in open courts like Rome with all the noise from each court they surely could survive cheering, etc., during play (i.e., a singles match with only a 2 meter fence between them and a men's doubles -- and very loud noise from each side).mandoist10-05-2024
