Naomi Osaka, former world number one, withdrew from the Indian Wells Masters in October, citing a desire to take a break from tennis after her breakdown at the US Open.
The absence of Osaka was confirmed by organizers on Wednesday, with the Indian Wells Masters set to take place from October 4 to October 17, following the cancellation of the 2020 edition due to the coronavirus epidemic.
Her US Open championship defense came to an end earlier this month in a stunning 5-7 7-6 (7-2) 6-4 third-round defeat to eventual finalist Leylah Fernandez.
After throwing her racquet three times in an unsuccessful second-set tie-break, four-time major champion Osaka lost her temper and poise.
After slamming a ball into the crowd at Flushing Meadows, Japanese star Osaka was warned amid booing in New York.
Following her unexpected withdrawal, Osaka informed reporters she will “take a break from playing for a bit.”
“I feel that for me recently, when I win, I don’t feel happy,” she continued. It’s more of a relief to me. Then, when I lose, I’m devastated. That doesn’t seem regular to me. I didn’t want to cry at all.
It comes after a rough few months due to mental health issues stemming from “long episodes of despair” since winning the US Open in 2018.
After being punished and threatened with expulsion from the French Open in May, Osaka withdrew after winning her first-round match.
She subsequently pulled out of Wimbledon before returning for the Olympic Games, though she suffered a surprise loss on home soil in Tokyo.