Naomi Osaka says she will be taking an indefinite break from tennis after her shocking US Open exit.
Gatekeepers News reports that Naomi Osaka has announced her plans to take an indefinite break from tennis after her US Open defence ended in tears following a stunning defeat to Leylah Fernandez.
The defending champion encounter with the 18-year-old ended 5-7 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The 23-year-old had withdrawn from the French Open and Wimbledon due to mental health issues.
She returned to the sport at the Tokyo Olympics, where she lit the flame at the opening ceremony. The world number three was, however, kicked out by Marketa Vondrousova.
While trying to hold back her tears at a post-match press conference, Naomi said: “This is very hard to articulate. Basically, I feel like I’m kind of at this point where I’m trying to figure out what I want to do, and I honestly don’t know when I’m going to play my next tennis match. Sorry.”
The Japanese while responding to what caused the defeat, added: “I don’t think it was her serve because I’ve been able to return pretty well against people that served better. I don’t think it’s the occasion because I’ve been in this situation before.
“I guess we’re all dealing with some stuff, but I know that I’m dealing with some stuff.”
It was the biggest win for Fernandez who is the world No 73.
The 18-year-old Canadian during her on-court interview, said, “I guess I wanted to stay on court a little bit longer and I wanted to put a show on for everyone here. An hour was just not enough for me on court.
“From the beginning right before the match, I knew I was able to win.
“I wasn’t focusing on Naomi, I was only focusing on myself and what I needed to do.”
Her victory has set up a meeting with 2016 champion Angelique Kerber for a place in the quarter-finals.
