Naomi Osaka is very transparent about the WTA removing the point system

After a disappointing first round exit at the French Open, Naomi Osaka expressed her feelings about WTA removing the point system.

"I’m not sure why, but If I play Wimbledon without points, it’s more like an exhibition,” Osaka said. “I know this isn’t true, right? But my brain just like feels that way. I just can’t go at it 100%. I didn’t even make my decision yet, but I’m leaning more towards not playing given the current circumstances, but that might change.”

The WTA removed the point system in response to All England Club’s ban of Russian and Belarusian players due to the invasion of Ukraine. Osaka and other players have chimed in on the change and felt like the point system is a motivational tool to get them hype about tournament play or what they need to improve among their peers. Osaka has stated that she may not even play in Wimbledon, because of the decision.

Osaka has been in the microscope of the world while coming out of her shell. The once shy tennis star has been an activate activist of social justice, bringing attention to mental health, and has been very attentive to change within the tennis world. However, on the court, Osaka has struggled as of late and dropped to 38th in the world. It will be very interesting to see if Osaka,as well as other players take a stand against the banning of the point system.