Fans show love to Naomi Osaka despite French Open withdrawal

Naomi Osaka has written a message of thanks for the “love” she has received since withdrawing from the French Open on Monday.

The world number two headed home to Los Angeles after opening up about her battles with depression and social anxiety amid a row over her decision not to fulfill her media commitments.

The past week has seen an avalanche of support for Osaka from across the sporting world and beyond.

Naomi Osaka posted a message of thanks on Instagram

Naomi Osaka posted a message of thanks on Instagram (@naomiosaka on Instagram)

In her first social media activity since Monday, the 23-year-old wrote in an Instagram Story: “Just want to say thank you for all the love. Haven’t been on my phone much but I wanted to hop on here and tell you all that I really appreciate it.”

Osaka said she would be taking some time away from the court and it remains to be seen where she will play next.

read alsoNaomi lampoons critics over Swim suit photo-shoot outburst

The four-time grand slam champion has pulled out of what was scheduled to be her first tournament on grass in Berlin beginning on June 14 and there are serious question marks over whether she will play at Wimbledon.

It is apparent from the avalanche of love notes that came her way that her controversial withdrawal from Roland Garros has not in any way diminished the love her teeming fans have for her.

Though loyal some of her fans however seldom hesitate to throw pebbles any time the feel she has taken a wrong step. Recall there was backlash when she dished out some sexy pictures that tickled the fancy of some and made some ask what is this?