World number one Novak Djokovic on Tuesday hailed Naomi Osaka as "brave and bold" for withdrawing from the French Open after revealing her struggles with depression and anxiety.
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FILE: Spain s Rafael Nadal celebrates after defeating Serbia s Novak Djokovic during the final of the Men s Italian Tennis Open at Foro Italico on May 16, 2021 in Rome, Italy. Photo: AFP
Published 1 June 2021
Rafael Nadal began his bid for a record-setting 21st Grand Slam title with a straight sets win at the French Open on Tuesday as the fallout from Naomi Osaka’s revelations over depression and anxiety sent shockwaves through Roland Garros.
Nadal, the 13-time champion in Paris, defeated 63rd-ranked Alexei Popyrin of Australia 6-3, 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) to take his record at the tournament to 101 wins against just two losses.
PARIS: The mandatory press conferences thrown into the spotlight this week by Naomi Osaka’s shock withdrawal from the French Open are usually dull aff.
La tímida estrella que hizo parar el tenis y que ahora abre debate por polémica en Roland Garros: La historia de Naomi Osaka emol.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from emol.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.