Jelena Dokic can empathise with Naomi Osaka,who this week tearfully announced she would take an indefinite break from tennis following her third-round exit from the US Open.
Naomi Osaka’s US Open title defence ended with a racquet-tossing,lead-evaporating defeat to a Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez in the third round.
Naomi Osaka claimed her two US Open titles amid controversy and social unrest. She begins her campaign for a third this week and life remains complicated.
Ashleigh Barty is acutely aware of the expectations to “go deep” at the US Open,the only major where the world No.1 is yet to reach the semi-finals.
With Serena Williams out,Naomi Osaka in patchy form and a Wimbledon title under her belt,the stars are aligning as the world No.1 prepares to face Vera Zvonareva in the first round.
A tearful Naomi Osaka briefly left a press conference in Cincinnati on Monday after her relationship with the journalists was put under the spotlight by a reporter who accused her of using the media when it suits her.
Aussie women have been cleaning up at the Games and giving us exciting,inspirational and downright impossible-seeming moments. The last thing they need is to have the added pressure of making sure they appear likeable on-screen.
Athletes are asking for more compassion when it comes to mental health,and media are obliging. What has changed - and what hasn’t?
Society typically hails those for triumphing over adversity,and punishes those who quit. Could giving up be a good thing? Maybe even a pathway to enriched success?
Superstar gymnast Simone Biles has withdrawn from Thursday’s all-around competition to focus on her mental wellbeing,and will not defend her Olympic title.
Even for those that muddle in the shallow end of elite sport,like I did,the pressure to do justice to the time,money and effort your family invests in you,the pressure to prove your potential,is real.