Ever since Naomi Osaka felt compelled to drop out of the French Open on Monday (May 31), a phalanx of celebrities have come to her defense and vehemently voiced their support for the Japanese-American tennis star. One of those being Will Smith, who shared a heartfelt handwritten note with Osaka to his Instagram on Thursday (June 3).
“Hey Naomi, you are right. They are wrong! I am with you,” the multi-faceted entertainer wrote in a notepad with a selfie attached.
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The global support came on the heels of Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open amid mental health concerns and to not “become a distraction.” She’ll be taking “some time away” from tennis until she feels comfortable resuming her career.
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The two-time US Open winner skipped out on her post-match press conference due to her anxiety and as a result, she was fined by the tournament for $15,000 and the tennis authorities also threatened to take further action if she continued not to speak with reporters.
“Hey everyone, this isn’t a situation I ever imagined or intended when I posted a few days ago,” the 23-year-old wrote in a lengthy message to social media. “I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris.”
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021
Coincidentally, Will Smith is taking his acting talents to the tennis world. The Philly native is set to star as Richard Williams — the father of tennis superstar sisters Serena and Venus — in King Richard, which will arrive in theaters on November 19, 2021.
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Watch the trailer below.
