Williams supports Osaka after French Open withdrawal: "I wish I could give her a hug"

Naomi Osaka's shock French Open withdrawal sent shockwaves through the tennis world on Monday night but for Serena Williams who was preparing to face Irina-Camelia Begu in her first round, she was none the wiser.

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Williams spoke afterwards in support of Osaka and wished she could give the 23-year-old a hug as she knows what the situation is like.

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"Honestly I just found out before I walked into the press conference, so that's the extent of it right now for me," Williams said. "The only thing I feel is that I feel for Naomi. I feel like I wish I could give her a hug because I know what it's like. I've been in those positions."

"We have different personalities, and people are different. Not everyone is the same. I'm thick. Other people are thin. You just have to let her handle it the way she wants to, in the best way she thinks she can."

Ben Rothenberg

@BenRothenberg

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Serena Williams was asked about her experiences with difficult press conferences, and about Naomi Osaka. #RG21

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