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Osaka withdraws from French Open
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Gauff falls at French to unseeded Krejcikova
Unseeded Barbora Krejcikova has reached her first Grand Slam singles semifinal by stopping the run of 17-year-old Coco Gauff at the French Open. She will face Maria Sakkari in the semifinals.
Coco Gauff falls short of French Open semifinals with loss to unseeded Barbora Krejcikova
PARIS -- Unseeded Barbora Krejcikova reached her first Grand Slam semifinal by coming back from an early deficit and beating 17-year-old Coco Gauff 7-6 (6), 6-3 at the French Open on Wednesday.
Gauff led 3-0 at the outset, then 5-3, and held a total of five set points in the opener but failed to convert any.
Krejcikova took advantage, grabbing that set by taking the last four points of the tiebreaker. She then reeled off 15 consecutive points during one stretch en route to a 5-0 edge in the second set.
Krejcikova, from the Czech Republic, has won two Grand Slam doubles titles with Katerina Siniakova -- and they're into the semifinals in Paris -- but is playing in only her fifth major tournament in singles and only once before had made it as far as the fourth round playing solo.
No. 24 seed Coco Gauff carries a racket she mangled after one of her 41 unforced errors, which included seven double faults. Adam Pretty/Getty Images
"Everybody, they just put a label on me like, 'Yeah, you play doubles. You are a doubles specialist.' But I never thought I just want to be a doubles specialist," Krejcikova said.
"So I was just working hard all the time. I just wanted to play singles. It was really, like, frustrating that I just wasn't able to get there," she said. "But I always felt ... sooner or later, I'm just going to get there."
She is currently ranked a career-high 33rd and on a 10-match winning streak in singles.
Krejcikova ended the nine-match run of the 24th-seeded Gauff, who is based in Florida and was the youngest French Open quarterfinalist since 2006. Gauff's 41 unforced errors included seven double faults -- and after one, she mangled her racket frame by whacking it three times against the ground.
"My hitting partner told me this match will probably make me a champion in the future," Gauff said. "I really do believe that."
On Thursday, Krejcikova will face No. 17 seed Maria Sakkari of Greece, who ended defending champion Iga Swiatek's 11-match and 22-set winning streaks in a later match to reach the semifinals of a major tournament for the first time.
The other semifinal Thursday is No. 31 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia against unseeded Tamara Zidansek of Slovenia.
All four women remaining in the field are making their Slam semifinal debuts. Sakkari and Krejcikova are both 25. Each has won only one tour-level title.
Sakkari used strong and steady baseline play to eliminate Swiatek 6-4, 6-4 at Court Philippe Chatrier in the quarterfinals and ensure that the clay-court tournament will end with a new Grand Slam champion.
"I couldn't have done it without my team and their support and I just want to thank them, and we still have a long way to go, of course," Sakkari said, "but we made a huge step today."
Swiatek said she was "stressed" coming into the match, in part because of the intensity of her season. The French Open is her eighth tournament of the year, and she was looking for her third title in that stretch, having won in Adelaide and Rome. Wednesday marked her 29th singles match.
"I think, like, [the] past couple weeks hit me, kind of, yesterday," Swiatek said. "I just didn't have good days; I couldn't do, like, physical recovery well because I was stressed. Days like that happen, and it's normal."
Swiatek is also playing doubles in Paris with Bethanie Mattek-Sands -- their third tournament together this season -- and their third-round match Sunday lasted over three hours. They play in the semifinals Friday.
"I played many of the tournaments, more than in my previous seasons," Swiatek said. "I'm happy with the results that I have, but also I'm constantly at work. For sure we're going to try to chill down, chill out a little bit, cool down, also find some perspective.
"Yeah, basically when I close my eyes, I only see tennis court and balls, so it's pretty tiring."
Gauff vs. Krejcikova began in the late morning with the temperature in the low 70s Fahrenheit, a blue sky and no wind.
After the number of fans in the 15,000-seat main stadium was capped at 1,000 for each of the first 10 days of the tournament because of COVID-19 restrictions, that limit was raised to 5,000 on Wednesday. And those in attendance were loudly pulling for Gauff, who burst onto the scene at Wimbledon two years ago by reaching the fourth round.
Cries of "Allez, Coco!" ("Go, Coco!") greeted her winners. Loud clapping of encouragement preceded her service games.
The contrast was striking when Krejcikova broke back on her way to pulling even at 3-all, when only a smattering of polite applause was heard.
Swiatek, a 20-year-old from Poland who has looked untouchable on clay, jumped out to a 2-0 lead, but then Sakkari took over, collecting eight of 10 games. When Sakkari smacked a backhand winner down the line to close a 15-stroke point that claimed that set, she leaned over and punched the air with her right fist.
That ended Swiatek's set streak at Roland Garros, which dated to the beginning of last year's tournament, when she dropped only 28 games in all. She had lost only 20 games this year through four matches.
But Sakkari, who also beat 2020 French Open runner-up Sofia Kenin, used clean strokes -- accumulating 26 winners, nine more than her opponent -- and a strategy of serving to Swiatek's forehand to gain control.
Down 2-0 in the second set, Swiatek took a medical timeout and left the court with a trainer, returning with her upper right leg taped up. During the break, Sakkari tried to stay warm by hopping and skipping side to side behind the baseline and did not lose a beat when play resumed.
"Right now I know it's nothing serious," Swiatek said after the match. "When I was on court, I felt it totally differently. As I said, I couldn't even sleep well yesterday. I slept, like, few hours. I think I was feeling everything twice as much as I should. It was hard to rationally just see what's going on."
'Speechless': French Open in disbelief over never-before-seen drama
Maria Sakkari has stunned Iga Swiatek to ensure there will be a new grand slam champion at the French Open. Read all the details here.
World No. 2 Osaka withdraws from Wimbledon
Women's world No. 2-ranked player Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from Wimbledon, according to a statement released by her team Thursday.
World No. 2 Naomi Osaka withdraws from Wimbledon to take 'personal time with friends and family'
Naomi Osaka, ranked No. 2 in the world in women's tennis, has withdrawn from Wimbledon, according to a statement released by her agent on Thursday.
"Naomi won't be playing Wimbledon this year," the statement read. "She is taking some personal time with friends and family. She will be ready for the Olympics and is excited to play in front of her home fans."
Wimbledon organizers had been in contact with Osaka and others about the tournament's media operations this year, All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton said Thursday.
Osaka, 23, withdrew from the French Open before the second round in the wake of the controversy caused by her decision to skip mandatory postmatch news conferences at the tournament.
She revealed that she had been dealing with anxiety and depression since bursting into the limelight by winning the US Open in 2018, the first of her four Grand Slam titles.
Osaka had also pulled out of next week's Berlin WTA 5000 grass-court tournament on Monday, raising doubts about her participation at Wimbledon, which is due to begin June 28.
News of Oskaka's withdrawal comes after two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal announced he was withdrawing from the tournament and this summer's Tokyo Olympics in an effort to preserve his health and prolong his career.
Bold move! She’s showing them that they need her more than she needs them as well as taking care of mental health.World No. 2 Osaka withdraws from Wimbledon
Women's world No. 2-ranked player Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from Wimbledon, according to a statement released by her team Thursday.www.espn.com
World No. 2 Naomi Osaka withdraws from Wimbledon to take 'personal time with friends and family'
Naomi Osaka, ranked No. 2 in the world in women's tennis, has withdrawn from Wimbledon, according to a statement released by her agent on Thursday.
"Naomi won't be playing Wimbledon this year," the statement read. "She is taking some personal time with friends and family. She will be ready for the Olympics and is excited to play in front of her home fans."
Wimbledon organizers had been in contact with Osaka and others about the tournament's media operations this year, All England Club chief executive Sally Bolton said Thursday.
Osaka, 23, withdrew from the French Open before the second round in the wake of the controversy caused by her decision to skip mandatory postmatch news conferences at the tournament.
She revealed that she had been dealing with anxiety and depression since bursting into the limelight by winning the US Open in 2018, the first of her four Grand Slam titles.
Osaka had also pulled out of next week's Berlin WTA 5000 grass-court tournament on Monday, raising doubts about her participation at Wimbledon, which is due to begin June 28.
News of Oskaka's withdrawal comes after two-time Wimbledon champion Rafael Nadal announced he was withdrawing from the tournament and this summer's Tokyo Olympics in an effort to preserve his health and prolong his career.
CAC running wild
Naomi Osaka Says Press Conferences Need “A Refresh” to Protect Athletes
By Zoe Haylock@zoe_alliyah
Naomi Osaka. Photo: Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
Just over a month ago, tennis star Naomi Osaka took the mental-health break we all needed by dropping out of the French Open when tournament officials required that she speak to press. While she won’t be back on the tennis court until she represents Japan in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, Osaka returned with an open letter in Time magazine highlighting what she’s learned from the experience, but, most importantly, what the industry can take away. Osaka, 23, says she isn’t at all opposed to talking with press. On top of her Netflix docuseries, Naomi, which just released its trailer this week, Osaka says she has “given more time to press than many other players,” barring those with careers almost as old as she. “However, in my opinion (and I want to say that this is just my opinion and not that of every tennis player on tour), the press-conference format itself is out of date and in great need of a refresh,” she wrote. “I believe that we can make it better, more interesting, and more enjoyable for each side. Less subject vs. object; more peer to peer.” Some fear that other players will follow her lead and revolt, but “no one in tennis has missed a press conference since.”
“Perhaps we should give athletes the right to take a mental break from media scrutiny on a rare occasion without being subject to strict sanctions,” she continued. “In any other line of work, you would be forgiven for taking a personal day here and there, so long as it’s not habitual.” There would also be more privacy protection. “In my case, I felt under a great amount of pressure to disclose my symptoms — frankly because the press and the tournament did not believe me,” Osaka wrote candidly. “I do not wish that on anyone and hope that we can enact measures to protect athletes, especially the fragile ones.”
By Zoe Haylock@zoe_alliyah
Naomi Osaka. Photo: Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images
Just over a month ago, tennis star Naomi Osaka took the mental-health break we all needed by dropping out of the French Open when tournament officials required that she speak to press. While she won’t be back on the tennis court until she represents Japan in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, Osaka returned with an open letter in Time magazine highlighting what she’s learned from the experience, but, most importantly, what the industry can take away. Osaka, 23, says she isn’t at all opposed to talking with press. On top of her Netflix docuseries, Naomi, which just released its trailer this week, Osaka says she has “given more time to press than many other players,” barring those with careers almost as old as she. “However, in my opinion (and I want to say that this is just my opinion and not that of every tennis player on tour), the press-conference format itself is out of date and in great need of a refresh,” she wrote. “I believe that we can make it better, more interesting, and more enjoyable for each side. Less subject vs. object; more peer to peer.” Some fear that other players will follow her lead and revolt, but “no one in tennis has missed a press conference since.”
“Perhaps we should give athletes the right to take a mental break from media scrutiny on a rare occasion without being subject to strict sanctions,” she continued. “In any other line of work, you would be forgiven for taking a personal day here and there, so long as it’s not habitual.” There would also be more privacy protection. “In my case, I felt under a great amount of pressure to disclose my symptoms — frankly because the press and the tournament did not believe me,” Osaka wrote candidly. “I do not wish that on anyone and hope that we can enact measures to protect athletes, especially the fragile ones.”
Naomi Osaka to Donate Tennis Winnings to Haiti Earthquake Relief Efforts | The Root
The four-time Grand Slam champion is currently gearing up for the 2021 US Open expected to begin at the end of this month.
www.theroot.com
Paul Daugherty: Naomi Osaka is honest, thoughtful and could help many other athletes
Who knows how many more jocks are just like Naomi Osaka, who's competing at the Western & Southern Open 2021? With her help, maybe we’ll find out.
www.cincinnati.com
She just ain't built for the grind
but also there shouldn't be a grind
but also there shouldn't be a grind
I had to watch this a few times...
As a man?
I was like that wasn't that bad a question. It was too long, designed to get a specific response and to mess with her.
Some media training she should have been prepared for that and could have easily side stepped.
As a father?
I got angry. Cause I know he deliberately tried to get at her on some bullsh*t. It was obvious and his "apology" proves it. And I was watching with a clenched jaw.
As a Haitian?
I'm riding with her heavy. Cause any other white athlete whose country was hit with a tragedy so soon so fresh? Would have been treated better.
As someone who has watched hundreds of these pressers?
This is what comes with the life you chosen, it's not "fair" but it is what it is. You gotta toughen your skin. Or just don't do it and accept the consequences of that decision.
They shouldn't be assholes and she shouldn't be so sensitive
There's legit mental issues going on inside of her she should have the grace to handle and take care of.
I don't think she's obligated to talk to the media or anyone is
the media doesn't make anyone great they write about the greatness they see. if she never spoke but got on the court she'd still be the best tennis player in the world
All point covered! 100% understand.
Agreed
I think because of the mental aspect I don't feel comfortable characterizing it as her going "sensitive "
And I couldn't agree more on the media ESPECIALLY the modern version we are currently suffering through.
But I'm torn because these leagues and sports entities with sponsorship are all tied up with these media outlets and need contact. The argument is this...
Are these athletes PAID to talk to the media?
I wish I could be more impartial and detached when commenting on these things...
But it seems the older I get, the more sensitive I get. All I see is my kid my goddaughter my niece my baby cousin my neighbors kid etc in these situations
I don't think I'm built to ever see people as JUST NUMBERS etc.
I couldn't do THAT type of media, or government policy maker or work in pharmaceutical firearms etc.
OR....she could just walk away. It's HER life, not theirs. She owes them NOTHING. If they come at her with BS and she IDENTIFIES the BS she is not obligated to dignify the BS with a response. Especially since she just told them she's not trying to deal with their BS. The press is infamous for this
Anyway, I agreed with everything you said. Just needed to add that little bit
The part in bold is where I am with it.
Get media training, deal with your issues and either get with the program or give up.
I'm torn.
I don't say she has to give up (you gotta be more specific) and also I don't REALLY want to say just get with the program.
Maybe she gonna be the one to change how ALL this is done.
Just because it's what we grew up with doesn't mean it is or should be the norm moving forward
I gotta give her the support to blaze a trail.
I believe a lot of the mental health issues of today are created by social media. If people just choose to disconnect I think they would be a lot happier.
You should pray for my students this fall then because they about to get that work!
I got 50 in one class. No social distancing.
By any chance have you watched her documentary show on Netflix? I drew a lot of conclusions about her from that show.
IMO, part of the issue is also how she was raised. Home schooled, she's always been withdrawn.
When you're on this public platform, some things you just have to change.
I did not have a chance too.
but I will do so and come back to you.
I finished Beckett, Malice is up next then I will get to that.
I don't know what to say but she needs to tamp down these episodes because eventually she's gonna get a backlash from her supporters. Teh whole thing in haiti is happening and she built a school there so there may be some personal tragedies she's dealing with.. but the media is the media so 
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