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Naomi Osaka Wimbledon withdrawal ‘might be a great idea’ claims Grand Slam legend


A tennis icon has suggested that Naomi Osaka made the right decision to forgo Wimbledon ahead of the Olympics.

Two-time US Open champion Tracy Austin thinks that the Japanese superstar made the right choice to skip Wimbledon this year after her recent mental health struggles and historic difficulties on grass.

“[It’s] not a huge surprise,” Austin said on Tennis Channel live soon after the announcement. “She’s not really comfortable on grass, it’s not her favourite surface.

“[She’s] had no lead-up matches heading into Wimbledon. But I think one thing that has to have gone into her decision is, obviously, not liking to go into press conferences right now.

“And Paul [Annacone], is there ever a tougher press than the British press? I mean, they are so tough on you. Every morning after you play a match there’s seven tabloids that talk about your match.”

Osaka dropped out during the French Open after refusing to fulfil media responsibilities and amid exchanges with tournament officials and the Grand Slams as a whole.

She then withdrew from Berlin before announcing that she would not play Wimbledon either, assuring fans that she would compete at the Olympics.

“So this might be a really good idea for Naomi Osaka,” Austin continued. “Because she’s not feeling comfortable with the press right now.

“And also, we know how important the Olympics are for Naomi, which are just about a couple of weeks after Wimbledon finishes, in Tokyo. I think she’s really targeting that.”


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