Athletes show support for Osaka after French Open withdrawal

By Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Athletes across the sports world lent support to Naomi Osaka after French Open withdrawal.

NBA's two-time Most Valuable Player (MVP), Steph Curry, conveyed his support for Osaka on Twitter.

"You shouldn't ever have to make a decision like this -- but so damn impressive taking the high road when the powers that be don't protect their own. Major respect," he said on Twitter.

Martina Navratilova, who is an 18-time Grand Slam singles title winner, tweeted that she is so sad about Osaka.

"I am so sad about Naomi Osaka. I truly hope she will be ok. As athletes, we are taught to take care of our body, and perhaps the mental & emotional aspect gets short shrift. This is about more than doing or not doing a press conference. Good luck, Naomi- we are all pulling for you!," Navratilova said on Twitter.

Teenage American tennis player Coco Gauff praised Osaka, writing that she "admires her vulnerability."

"Stay strong. I admire your vulnerability," Gauff, 17, said on Twitter.

The four-time Grand Slam champion had announced Monday that she had withdrawn from the French Open, citing depression and anxiety.

Osaka also said that she suffered long bouts of depression since winning her first Grand Slam title at the 2018 US Open.