Mardy Fish lends emotional support to a struggling Naomi Osaka


Mardy Fish lends emotional support to a struggling Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka and Mardy Fish

Earlier World No.2 Naomi Osaka’s boycott from the press conference ahead of the French Open stunned the tennis world. Now, her withdrawal from the tournament in Paris has further sent shock waves across the circuit.

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The Japanese girl withdrew from Roland Garros late yesterday evening, citing bouts of depression and anxiety. The decision also came a day after her comfortable first round win over Patricia Tig.

“I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focussing on the tennis going on in Paris. I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer,” Osaka wrote on social media.

 “More important I would never trivialize mental health or use the term lightly. The truth is that I have suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that.”

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Osaka’s withdrawal has seen plenty of mixed reactions from several corners. While some have remained unaffected, some have expressed sympathy to the 23-year-old struggling athlete.

‘Pls take your mental health seriously’: Mardy Fish

Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka

Former American player Mardy Fish has shown concern towards Osaka and even shared a tweet, trying to support the four-time Grand Slam champion. “Mental Health is nothing to criticize. Nothing to joke about. Pls take your mental health seriously. Without my support system, I truly believe I would not be here today. Here for you.”

Interestingly, Fish was also a victim of mental issues towards the finishing stages of his career. The 39-year-old has been open about his experience with anxiety, and has always wished to raise more awareness and treatment for mental health issues.

Earlier in the year, World No.4 Dominic Thiem too opened up about his mental struggles lately. The Austrian opined how post his US Open success in 2020, he was struggling with anxiety and drop in motivation. Thiem who took time away from the game in early March, only came back to tour at the Madrid Masters, where he reached the semifinals. Unfortunately, he was downed in the opening round itself at the French Open this year.

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Also read: “Media demands on tennis players are extremely high,” Andy Murray’s mother backs Naomi Osaka amidst French Open 2021 saga