Tennis star Naomi Osaka secured a victory in the first round of the australian Open in Melbourne on Monday, but her mind was preoccupied with the devastating wildfires raging near her hometown of Los Angeles.
The 27-year-old athlete, who has resided in the United states since childhood, revealed her distress, stating, “I checked the fire map, and the flames are just three blocks from my house.” She candidly admitted that the ongoing crisis made it challenging to focus on her match against Caroline Garcia, which she ultimately won (6:3, 3:6, 6:3).
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Osaka,a mother to an 18-month-old daughter,shared her proactive measures,saying,”I hired someone to retrieve my daughter’s birth certificate becuase I was uncertain about the fate of our home. Sending all my love and support to Los Angeles.”
The situation weighs heavily on her, as her home holds countless cherished memories with her daughter. “There are so many irreplaceable items, souvenirs, and keepsakes. It’s impossible to salvage everything,” she lamented.
A Mother’s Heart Amidst Crisis
The two-time Melbourne champion expressed uncertainty about the severity of the situation but emphasized her gratitude for the safety of her loved ones. “While I’m unsure of the full extent of the damage, I’m incredibly thankful that everyone in my family is safe,” she said.
Acknowledging the impact on her performance, Osaka admitted that her concentration during the match against Garcia wasn’t at its peak. “Though, I managed to secure the win, so I consider it a satisfactory performance given the circumstances,” she stated.
Osaka finds herself in a state of anxious anticipation, hoping to extend her stay in Melbourne for as long as possible, both for the tournament and as a temporary escape from the turmoil back home.
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