This archive report was first published on 5 September 2021.
Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam winner, has announced a break from tennis, citing a loss of enthusiasm for competition. The 23-year-old has been open about her struggles with depression and has used her platform to advocate for mental health awareness in professional sports.
On August 30, 2021, Osaka suffered a stunning defeat in the third round of the U.S. Open, before tearfully telling reporters she planned to take an indefinite break from the sport.
"I feel like for me recently, like, when I win I don't feel happy. I feel more like a relief," Osaka said, months after publicly disclosing that she had suffered from depression.
Retired American tennis pro James Blake applauded her decision, writing on Twitter: "Please do what is best for you @naomiosaka. We want to see your extraordinary tennis again, but more importantly, we want to see you happy."
Former tennis star Boris Becker responded to Blake in a quote retweet, saying: "That's right."
Osaka's influence extends far beyond the court, as she brought the Black Lives Matter protest to tennis' international platform a year ago, becoming a leading figure for athlete advocacy in the process.
