Osaka sensationally quits French Open after first round victory
World number two set to take time off court
Women’s tennis world number two, Naomi Osaka has announced her decision to quit the 2021 French Open at Roland Garros, announcing that it was the best decision for the French Open and stating that she would be taking some time off the court.
The 23-year-old Japan national defeated Romania’s Patricia Maria Tig 6-4 7-6 (7-4) in straight sets to make her way past the first round at Roland Garros, but she failed to appear for the compulsory post-match press duties, prompting a $15,000 fine from the organizers of the tournament. Osaka had previously announced that she would not be having media engagements as they brought waves of anxiety upon her, and this affected her mental health.
The tournament’s second seed had hoped to go beyond the third round of the tournament for the first time ever after winning the year’s first grand slam in Australia. She would now be taking a break from tennis until she feels ready to return to action.