Japanese Tennis Sensation Naomi Osaka Brought to Tears by Heckler at BNP Paribas Open in California

Japanese Tennis Sensation Naomi Osaka Brought to Tears by Heckler at BNP Paribas Open in California

Keba Mothoagae
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:58 PM
  • Naomi Osaka had to endure abuse at the BNP Paribas Open this morning at Indian Wells in California
  • The Japanese star was taking on Veronika Kudermetova of Russia in the round of 64 when the incident occurred
  • It appeared to unsettle the four-time Grand Slam title winner, as she lost focus and succumbed to her opponent

A woman in the crowd at the BNP Paribas Open yelled, “Naomi, you s*ck!” at Naomi Osaka following the first game of her match Saturday evening.

The comment upset the four-time Japanese Grand Slam champion, bringing her to tears on the centre court of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

naomi osaka, bnp paribas open, indian wells, japan, grand slam, united states of america, veronika kudermetova, russia, racism
A demoralised Naomi Osaka during the BNP Paribas tournament at Indian Wells in California. Image source: Getty Images.
Source: Getty Images

According to the Desert Sun, spectators near to the heckler - a woman - demanded that she be thrown out for her disgraceful behaviour. However, the umpire is reported to have said that the heckler couldn't be identified, thus resuming the match.

During a break in play after the second game, Osaka requested a microphone from the umpire so that she could address the people in attendance.

Osaka said to the umpire:

“Can I borrow your microphone?”

The umpire responded:

“What do you want to say?”

Osaka replied:

“I just want to say something. I’m not going to curse. I don’t curse. It’s just weighing on my heart.”

The umpire communicated with her supervisor, who declined Osaka's request, telling her that a player being given a microphone during a match was unprecedented.

Osaka was clearly unsettled, and fell behind against the Russian Veronika Kudermetova, losing the first set 6-0. Despite a second set fight back, the Japanese lost 0-6 and 4-6.

After the match, Osaka asked to speak to the crowd, which typically does not happen when a player loses a match.

Osaka then asked to speak to the crowd after the match, which is unusual when a player suffers defeat.

Choking up, Osaka said:

"To be be honest, I've been heckled before. It didn't really bother me. But heckled here, like, I've watched a video of Venus and Serena (Williams) get heckled here, and if you've never watched it, you should watch it. I don't know why, but it went into my head and got replayed a lot."

‘Novax’ Djokovic makes headlines once again, admits he’s willing to give up on major titles to stay jab free

Novak Djokovic has divided sports fans once again with his recent comments about the vaccine.

As reported by Sports Brief, the world number one tennis player admitted that he would be willing to give up on competing for major titles if it meant remaining jab free.

Djokovic said that he wasn’t ‘anti-vax’ but would be willing to miss out on grand slam tournaments if it meant that he didn’t have to get the Covid-19 jab.

Authors
Keba Mothoagae photo
Keba Mothoagae
Editor- Local Desk
Tags
World