Sha’Carri Richardson Defends Naomi Osaka From Critics After Tennis Star Reveals She’s Considering Taking Another Break After US Open Loss
Sha’Carri Richardson is coming to Naomi Osaka’s defense!
As we previously reported, after losing in the third round at the US Open on Friday night, Naomi Osaka said she wasn’t sure when she will next play a competitive tennis match and will be taking an indefinite break from the sport. Following the 5-7, 7-6 (2), 6-4 loss to Leylah Fernandez, Osaka told reporters the sport was no longer bringing her joy: “I feel like for me recently, like, when I win, I don’t feel happy,” Osaka said. “I feel more like a relief. And then when I lose, I feel very sad. I don’t think that’s normal.”
Instead of uplifting messages, Osaka has been met with some criticism, with some social media users calling her a quitter. However, track star Sha’Carri Richardson is not here for all the hate. Richardson, who recently took an L herself after finishes last place in a 100-meter run, the athlete shared a message to Osaka and a few folks who had something negative to say about her. She said: “Leave her aloneeeeee.”
She added, “Doing what best for herself in front of the world which is a cruel place to the realest people.”
This was the first Slam tournament for the 23-year-old Osaka since she pulled out of the French Open before the second round to take a mental health break after having announced she would not participate in news conferences.