D + D – Normal size

Amanda Anisimova, an American, praised Naomi Osaka for “encouraging” her to talk about mental health issues in the sport after expelling a Japanese tennis player from the Australian Open.

Osaka, who withdrew from the French Open last year, was fined and threatened with disqualification from the tournament for refusing to attend press conferences, he said, adding that this was the reason for the depression he had experienced over the years.

Osaka, a four-time major champion, withdrew from Wimbledon in 2021, losing 4-6 6-3 7-6 (3) to Anisimo in the third round and exiting the Australian Open on Thursday.

“He is a very motivating person,” Anisimova told reporters. “What he has done in the last two years is amazing.

“I was very happy to meet her today. She expresses her feelings honestly. I know she had a very hard time last year, so I sympathize with her.

“I’m been very hard on myself for two years, and I do not care about posting things on social media and educating people who are going through difficult experiences. I think it’s very good to be associated with people who share the same ideas.”

The American athlete reached his highest point when he was ranked 21st in the world in 2019, but he has struggled for the past two years and is now falling to 60th.

Anisimova plays Australian world number one Ashley Bardi in the fourth round.

Follow the sports report in Google News