her fourth round 2019 US Open match, which she lost to Belinda Bencic. On her way out of Arthur Ashe Stadium, the defending champion walks by a plaque quoting Billie Jean King that reads, “Pressure is a privilege.” Osaka doesn’t see it that way.
The current world No. 2, who lives in California but plays for Japan, withdrew from the French Open in June after failing to meet her post-match media obligations, saying it was for her mental health.
The unusual move caused a tidal wave of controversy and began a conversation about the struggles faced by athletes in the spotlight.