Naomi Osaka clapped back at Megyn Kelly yesterday after the journalist criticized the Grand Slam champion for appearing on magazine covers after refusing to speak to the media at the French Open.
Osaka made headlines in May when she withdrew from the French Open and Wimbledon, citing her prioritization of her mental health.
Following the announcement of Osaka’s Sports Illustrated cover, Kelly and conservative commentator Clay Travis appeared to accuse the tennis star of being disingenuous in her struggles.
Let’s not forget the cover of (& interview in) Vogue Japan and Time Mag! https://t.co/PAAUEwAVi0
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) July 19, 2021
Osaka responded in a since-deleted tweet, saying “Seeing as you’re a journalist I would’ve assumed you would take the time to research what the lead times are for magazines, if you did that you would’ve found out I shot all of my covers last year.
“Instead your first reaction is to hop on here and spew negativity, do better Megan.”
Osaka also appeared to block the former NBC News anchor.
Poor @naomiosaka blocked me while taking a shot at me (guess she’s only tough on the courts). She is apparently arguing that she shot her many covers b/4 publicly claiming she was too socially anxious to deal w/press. Truth is she just doesn’t like Qs she can’t control. Admit it. pic.twitter.com/izyRzOrUVm
— Megyn Kelly (@megynkelly) July 19, 2021