Naomi Osaka not to play at Wimbledon this year

Japan's Naomi Osaka will not play at Wimbledon this year but is planning to return in time for the Tokyo Olympics. The four-time Grand Slam champion will spend time with friends and family also withdrawn from the French Open in May. 23 years old Osaka, said she would be taking a break from tennis after experiencing depression and anxiety.

  

The world number two says she is excited to play in front of her home fans in Tokyo. Osaka was fined $15,000 for not taking part in a news conference following her first round match at Roland Garros. Grand Slam organisers said



she could face expulsion from the tournament should she refuse to take part in media duties. But the player withdrew from the tournament the following day, saying she needed to "protect her mental health". 

 

Wimbledon's chief executive Sally Bolton had earlier revealed the All England Club (AELTC) had been in contact with Osaka's team and was actively looking at ways to improve its media operations. Wimbledon Championships, the biggest grass court tennis tournament will be held from Monday 28 June 2021 to Sunday 11 July 2021.