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Naomi Osaka US Open 2021
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Naomi Osaka may not play again in 2021 after withdrawing from Indian Wells


Although Naomi Osaka is yet to make an official announcement, the Japanese star may well have finished her 2021 campaign after withdrawing from Indian Wells.

In an announcement made by the Indian Wells organisers, the four-time Grand Slam champion has made the decision not to feature at the event just weeks after saying she will take a break for personal reasons.

Earlier this year, the world number five opened up on her mental health struggles and revealed she had suffered from anxiety and depression, which resulted in her withdrawal from both the French Open and Wimbledon.

Following her shock defeat to eventual finalist Leylah Fernandez at Flushing Meadows, the 23-year-old cast major doubt on her return in 2021.

ā€œThis is very hard to articulate. Basically I feel like Iā€™m kind of at this point where Iā€™m trying to figure out what I want to do, and I honestly donā€™t know when Iā€™m going to play my next tennis match. Sorry,ā€ Osaka said following her US Open defeat.

ā€œI think Iā€™m going to take a break from playing for a while. How do I go around saying this?

“I feel like for me recently when I win I donā€™t feel happy. I feel more like a relief. And then when I lose, I feel very sad. I donā€™t think thatā€™s normal. I didnā€™t really want to cry.ā€

Osakaā€™s withdrawal from Indian Wells was confirmed via a social media announcement, though the reason for her withdrawal was not specified.

Despite not featuring at Indian Wells, the four-time major winner is still expected to land a spot in the WTA finals, though it is unclear whether Osaka will attend the event which has been moved from China to Mexico.

 


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Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.