Compassion. This was the primary sentiment in the first setbacks on Monday evening after Naomi announced her withdrawal from the Osaka tournament. A serious decision, unprecedented situation and, to be honest, a little sad. Whatever one thinks about the merits of the decision to ignore press conferences, see a player, and a Fordiori is one of his most talented players, leaving a Grand Slam like this cannot please anyone.

Serena Williams, who qualified for the second round by clearing the blasters of the closed session of the night, learned the news when she arrived … at the press conference after the victory over Irina Camelia-Begu (7-6, 6-2). Regardless of the positions taken and the decision he makes to leave, the American has a clear sympathy for what Osaka is doing. She also knows the complex moments, the ups and downs of her personal or professional life, in front of magazines or elsewhere. “I want to take her in my arms because I was there too“, Explains the former world number one.

Says Serena Williams “Close“Naomi Osaka’s experience is that she finds echoes in certain periods of her career, even though she knows that not everyone experiences these kinds of situations the same way:”Everyone is different, everyone is different, they handle what happens to them differently. She and I do not have the same personality, however, one person is not like another. I, I am sturdy, I have tough skin, more sensitive to others. “

The important thing, for her, is to find the right people to talk to about this type of problem. It does not need relatives. “I don’t need to have talked to people in my family, people I know. Said the youngest of the Williams sisters. I was there too, and I was lucky to talk to people at that time. It allowed me to be free. “

Serena, on the other hand, firmly believes that while the simple fact of starting this process is not always easy, it is important to speak up. “Efforts are necessary, She judges. It is always the same. Attempts to say: ‘For me, I need help, for this or that I need to talk to someone, be it the WTA, or someone in my life. ‘I don’t know who, but we need to talk. “

Wilander: “I hope she can come back strong”

Although the proportions taken are unprecedented, Boyce Wilander is adamant that Naomi Osaka’s case is not isolated. “Eurosport consultant and three-time winner Roland Garros says this is a situation known to many. But since he is a star, talking about it with him can help many others and inspire those who suffer from these kinds of issues just like them. Hope she can come back strong“.

Sweden explains for its part that he did not experience such concerns in his relationship with others, especially the press. “However I was very shy at first, my English was bad, but I had no problem speaking to the press“While acknowledging that times have changed, he tells us:”This is a completely different situation. We do not have social networks. She has millions of people following her, waiting for her to speak, and wanting to hear from her, all of which creates a kind of pressure.. “

His only regret? That’s how it all happened. “Everything was done backwards, Note Wilander. Everything she says today, for example she has suffered since 2018, should have come before she announced that she would not be making press conferences.“Now, like Serena Williams, she believes the key is to allow Naomi Osaka to find solutions to her problem. And her case makes it possible for others to expect the same kind of events as possible.”What is important to me is to be aware of these issues“, Says Serena Williams.