Sports
Osaka withdraws from Indian Wells after U.S Open collapse
Former world number one, Naomi Osaka unsurprisingly withdrew from October`s Indian Wells Masters, having flagged a break from tennis following her US Open meltdown.
Osaka’s absence was confirmed by organisers on Wednesday, with the Indian Wells Masters scheduled to take place from Oct. 4 to Oct. 17 after the 2020 edition was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Her US Open title defence came crashing down in a remarkable 5-7 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 third-round capitulation at the hands of eventual finalist Leylah Fernandez earlier this month.
The four-time major champion Osaka lost her cool and composure after throwing her racquet three times in an unsuccessful second-set tie-break.
Amid boos in New York, Japanese star Osaka was also warned after hitting a ball into the crowd at Flushing Meadows.
After the surprise exit, Osaka told reporters she planned to “take a break from playing for a while.”
She added: “I feel like for me recently, like, when I win I don’t feel happy. I feel more like a relief. And then when I lose, I feel very sad. I don’t think that’s normal. I didn’t really want to cry.
It comes following a difficult couple of months due to mental health concerns as a result of “long bouts of depression” since winning the 2018 US Open.
Osaka withdrew from May’s French Open having won her first-round match, after she was fined and threatened with further punishment – and possible expulsion from the grand slam – for skipping obligatory media duties.
She subsequently pulled out of Wimbledon before returning for the Olympic Games, though she suffered a surprise loss on home soil in Tokyo.
(dpa/NAN)
-
Politics5 days ago
South-South Govs Meet In Yenagoa, Urge FG To Review Power Situation
-
Politics6 days ago
Kogi gov, Ododo used immunity to protect Yahaya Bello from EFCC arrest – Oshiomhole
-
Business5 days ago
Why CBN Banned Opay, Palmpay, Kuda Bank, Moniepoint From Boarding New Customers
-
Niger Delta5 days ago
RE: PROTEST AGAINST PAP BOSS DR DENNIS OTUARU, AN UNNECESSARY DISTRACTION THAT SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY.
-
Politics5 days ago
Former IYC Scribe Congratulates Hon. Maxwell Ebibai on Reappointment as Bayelsa Commissioner for Finance.
-
Entertainment6 days ago
‘Disrespectful’ – Mr Macaroni slams Wizkid for shading Don Jazzy
-
News2 days ago
Attack on nurse: Enugu Assembly moves to regulate activities of masquerades
-
Politics5 days ago
Hon. Alapala Felicitates with Commissioners for successful inauguration and thank the governor for their appointments.