Sponsor Yonex slams Naomi Osaka for “racquet destruction” in Rome

World No.2, Naomi Osaka has not been enjoying a great time on the clay this season. The Japanese star prematurely exited the tournaments in Madrid and Rome in the last two weeks. Given her recent fall on the dirt, her chances at the upcoming French Open are already being questioned.

Although Osaka is a multiple Grand Slam winner, she is yet to win a single tournament on the clay and has never got past the third round in Roland Garros. Meanwhile, Osaka’s racquet sponsor company- Yonex has come down heavily on the 23-year-old’s poor behavior and meltdown, during her loss to Jessica Pegula in the second round of Rome.

Expressing disgust on her lack of form, the Japanese star vented out her frustration by slamming her racquet on the floor several times. While we have seen many ATP and WTA players regularly breaking racquets on the tour, several experts and more importantly, the racquet sponsors admonished such violent behavior.

Yonex warns Naomi Osaka over breaking of racquets

Osaka’s racquet destruction even became a talking point on the social media platform. On May 13th, the Japanese version of HuffPost interviewed a YONEX promotional person who has signed a contract to provide rackets to Osaka for many years.

Commenting on Osaka’s racquet destruction, the Yonex representative said, “Our rackets are made one by one at our own factory. Therefore, I never want to do something like this. Osaka is an athlete who is already active in the world, so she is influential.”

He further added, that if the professionals keep promoting such behavior and remain careless on the court, they won’t be setting the right example for the next generation

“I am afraid that the junior generation and kids will imitate this kind of behavior. If such an act occurs again, we may be able to warn you through the management company of Mrs. Osaka,” the Yonex person warned.

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