WNBA Stars Hits Out on Tennis Media for Putting Naomi Osaka Under Scrutiny

Japanese star Naomi Osaka has currently taken an indefinite break from the game. Earlier this year, she withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon Championships citing her mental health concerns. The four-time Grand Slam champion has always been an advocate of the importance of mental health.

Just recently, two American professional basketball players, A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier acknowledged the attempts of Naomi Osaka for stepping up regarding mental health issues. The NBA players also took a dig at the media who were seen scrutinizing her at the French Open. Following this, Osaka opted to pull out from the competition.

American basketball players backed Naomi Osaka

The two American basketball players, A’ja Wilson and Napheesa Collier recently made an appearance at the ‘Just Women’s Sports’. While the former plays for Las Vegas Aces, the latter represents Minnesota Lynx. The WNBA stars talked about the courageous actions of Naomi Osaka to fight and spread awareness regarding mental health concerns.

Wilson started the conversation by saying,” When I look at athletes like ourselves and Naomi, I mean, I just think about like, we really go through a lot, especially as women, like we’re already emotional creatures and it’s just like I just want to do my job and be good at it because I know I worked hard.

“And then on top of that if I mess up one little tile I’m in cancel culture or I’m getting bashed and that’s hard to take in. So I really like to give snaps to Naomi for doing that because it’s like it’s tough, it’s hard.”

Aug 30, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates after recording match point Marie Bouzkova of Czech Republic in the first round on day one of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Napheesa Collier then took over and expressed his disappointment over media for probing Osaka at French Open.

“Absolutely and it makes me really mad that the media is scrutinizing her like it’s their, they’re entitled to her personal life. You are not entitled to our personal life, we don’t have to do media like some people get fines or whatever it is but like you would not have a job if it weren’t for the people you’re covering.”

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The Japanese’s break continues

After an early third-round exit at the Flushing Meadows, Naomi Osaka decided to take a sabbatical from tennis. Just freshly, she was snapped at Greece on her 24th birthday celebrating with her close friends and family. Clearly, she’s enjoying her crucial time away from tennis courts.

Sep 3, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Leylah Fernandez of Canada, right, shakes hands with Naomi Osaka Osaka of Japan after a third round match on day five of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports

Naomi Osaka has still hasn’t confirmed his participation for the remainder of the season. It would be interesting to note the announcement of her comeback to the tennis court.

ALSO READ: Naomi Osaka Enjoys Greece Vacation As Her Tennis Break Continues

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