The news of Naomi Osaka's withdrawal from the 2023 Australian Open has sent shockwaves through the tennis world and sparked discussions about her dedication to the sport.
Osaka, who is currently ranked no. 47 in the world, has not played a match since September 2022, when she withdrew from her second-round match at the Tokyo Open. Many have questioned whether Osaka is taking her career as a professional tennis player seriously, with some speculating that she may be focusing on other activities outside of the sport.
Patrick McEnroe, former professional player and current ESPN analyst, weighed in on the matter, stating that it is difficult to succeed in the world of professional tennis if you are not fully committed.
“You can’t be a part-time player in your early to mid or even late 20s today. Naomi is not Serena. She (Williams) is one of a kind with a unique ability, and the confidence to do it. There’s no doubt that [Osaka] was born to play tennis. You can hear it in the sound of how she hits the ball.”
While Osaka has not commented on the reasons behind her withdrawal from the Australian Open, she has previously spoken about her struggles with mental health and the pressure of being a top player.
As the world awaits further news from Osaka, many are hoping that she will be able to find a balance between her love for the sport and her personal well-being. With her talent and potential, there is no doubt that Osaka has the ability to reach the top of the game if she chooses to fully commit herself to it.
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