Djokovic empathizes with Naomi Osaka’s mental issues, feels the Japanese star needs time ‘away from the court’

Djokovic empathizes with Naomi Osaka’s mental issues, feels the Japanese star needs time ‘away from the court’

naomi osaka novak djokovic

Naomi Osaka’s shocking withdrawal from the ongoing French Open has caused quite a stir in the tennis circuit. The World No.2 had earlier refused to attend the mandatory press conference too in Paris, for which she was also heavily penalized with a fine.

The Japanese star pulled out of Roland Garros, citing mental issues. She even explained how she has been struggling with anxiety and depression after her stunning victory over Serena Williams at the 2018 US Open.

While the WTA had earlier welcomed a dialogue with Osaka, it remains to be seen if the beleaguered tennis player will respond in any way going ahead. For the moment though, many contemporary players and experts are worried about the wellbeing of Osaka.

FS Video

Men’s top-ranked player Novak Djokovic has come to the aid of the four-time Grand Slam winner, expressing support during these tough times. The Serbian superstar recently told the media, “I can understand her very well, and I empathize with her, because I was on the wrong edge of the sword in my career many times with media (smiling). I know how it feels.”

“I support her. I think she was very brave to do that. I’m really sorry that she is going through painful times and suffering mentally. This was, I must say, a very bold decision from her side. If she needs to take time and reflect and just recharge that’s what she needed to do, and I respect it fully. I hope that she’ll come back stronger,” the 18-time Grand Slam winner added.

Novak Djokovic is not foreign to the media jibe  

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic

In the past, Djokovic too has had several rough exchanges with the reporters around the world. The Serb has never shied away from expressing his views, owing to which he hasn’t been the best of the friends with people in the media. Recently, he was even lambasted for organizing the Adria Tour, with fellow ATP players amidst the pandemic in 2020.

But perhaps, he has been more criticized by the media for allowing his father Srdjan to interfere and make unpleasant remarks about contemporaries and rivals, Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Although Djokovic is at the helm of the men’s game, he still remains one of the most scrutinized players on the tennis circuit by the media fraternity.