News wires are aflame with reports of Naomi Osaka’s abrupt departure from the French Open.

On Monday, August 31, 2021, Naomi Osaka addressed social media about her recent decision to leave the French Open. Her announcement comes after the receipt of a fine for reportedly not meeting media obligations.

How is this relative to hip hop?  Well, Osaka has both roots in Haiti and Japan and is well on her way to becoming a cultural icon. She is one of the first women of Haitian-Japanese descent to do what she is doing, breaking records and taking names.  Not to mention she is the girlfriend of rapper Cordae. 

Even the greats like Naomi have to step out of the spotlight.

Unquestionably Naomi Osaka is one of the brightest hopefuls in tennis. Her stunning plays and victories in matches against tennis great Serena have come to prove the brilliance of her future. However, Osaka recently made the difficult decision to take a break amidst the French Open. While her decision is confounding to some, her courage is admirable. Osaka admits to suffering from persistent bouts of anxiety and depression which is taking a large toll on her. And at the moment she is choosing to keep her mental health and well-being as strong as her physical acumen. Without a doubt, she has a host of fans and supporters in her corner.

In conclusion, we stand behind and with Osaka. Being a rising cultural icon can carry a lot of weight. In the words of Grand Master Flash and Fantastic Five, “[Life] It’s like a jungle sometimes It makes me wonder how I keep from goin’ under.” But it is our sincere hope that Osaka will get the rest she needs and deserves only to come back stronger than ever.