PARIS (Agencies): Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from Wimbledon, her agent said via the Associated Press. It marks the second consecutive Grand Slam in which she has withdrawn following the French Open last month. Osaka is “is taking some personal time with friends and family. She will be ready for the Olympics and is excited to play in front of her home fans,” her agent Stuart Duguid wrote in an email Thursday, via the AP. She will compete for Japan at the Tokyo Olympics starting next month.
Osaka taking time away from court The 23-year-old withdrew from the French Open following the first round after a controversy over her media blackout. She cited her mental health in the decision and closed a note on Twitter by saying she would take time away. The four-time Grand Slam champion also did not compete in the Berlin WTA 5000, a tune-up for the upcoming Slam. The tournament announced she would not compete as originally planned. Osaka remains the No. 2 ranked tennis player in world rankings. She has two victories at the Australian Open and two at the U.S. Open, which is scheduled to begin weeks after the Olympics end. She has only made it to the Round of 32 at Wimbledon. The competition was canceled last year because of COVID-19.
