" I'm convinced they're getting paid": Osaka Responds To Her Critics

Friday, 27 May 2022 at 16:45

Updated at Wednesday, 10 July 2024 at 13:52

byJordan Reynolds

Naomi Osaka's first-round exit at the French Open on the opening day is still being discussed by some in the media, and the four-time Grand Slam champion has responded to the attention she constantly receives.

By Osaka's high standards, she has endured a difficult start to the year. The one notable exception to this was a strong run in Miami, where she lost the final to the current No. 1 Iga Swiatek.

Unfortunately, her other results have not been as impressive. Osaka lost in the third round of the Australian Open, the second round in Indian Wells and Madrid and in the opening round at Roland-Garros.

Osaka has also generated much media attention since she decided to withdraw from last year's French Open. This was after the Japanese star had been fined and warned for being absent from press conferences.

Many believe that the media's focus on Osaka is unwarranted and has become obsessive. The 24-year-old clearly thinks this, and she responded to the attention she received in a Twitter post.

"Some people talk about me so much I’m convinced they’re getting paid. No way I’m on your mind that much. yikes."

It seems clear that her tweet will only rile her detractors further. Osaka's tweet has quite a mocking tone, and her critics on social media and in the wider press may go further with their criticisms as a result.

However, it is quite refreshing to see Osaka respond authentically and honestly to those who spend a lot of time thinking about the Japanese star. Much of the rhetoric around Osaka has been unpleasant, and the perpetrators of toxic remarks deserve to be called out.

Regardless, Osaka has now shown she is willing to counter those who focus a lot on her. That could certainly encourage others in her position to do the same.