“First and foremost, we are sorry and sad for Naomi Osaka,” Gilles Moretton, president of the French Tennis Federation, said in a statement. “The outcome of Naomi withdrawing from Roland-Garros is unfortunate. We wish her the best and quickest possible recovery, and we look forward to having Naomi at our Tournament next year.”
Osaka’s decision drew support from many other professional athletes, including basketball star Stephen Curry, Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt and Serena Williams, who’s currently vying for her fourth French Open title.
But Osaka’s stand also drew support from many online who have never been lobbed questions from a roomful of reporters, nor have millions of dollars from which to pay fines. Casual tennis fans and devotees alike used the hashtag #IStandWithNaomiOsaka, applauding her for choosing her mental health over the tournament’s demands.
The United States will provide an arsenal of vaccines for the world and will donate 75% of its surplus doses through an international initiative for countries in need, the Biden administration announced Thursday.
The administration has pledged to donate at least 80 million doses by month s end. Doses shared through COVAX – a worldwide initiative aimed at equitable access – will prioritize Latin America and the Caribbean, South and Southeast Asia, and Africa, in coordination with the African Union, national security adviser Jake Sullivan said at a briefing Thursday. The other 25% will go for immediate needs and to help tamp down surges around the world.
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But on the streets of Tokyo, people supported Osaka s decision: I was surprised. There s the coronavirus now as well, so I think she s going through a lot mentally.
While, others were sympathetic of her health: I think she s under a lot of pressure, more than we can imagine. She got to the top when she was young so I think we can t really imagine what she s going through.
Japan Tennis Association wished her the earliest possible recovery.
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The Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, chimed in with messages of support.
There were also posts from other athletes. 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, wrote NBA All-Star Steph Curry on social media.