Naomi Osaka, Kim Clijsters, Sabine Lisicki, and many other prominent figures from the sporting world sent their heartfelt messages to legendary skier Lindsey Vonn as she prepares to undergo another crucial surgery on her left leg to repair the complex tibial fracture she suffered in a crash at the Milano-Cortina Winter Games.
Vonn was already dealing with an ACL tear in her left knee, but she decided to compete in the Alpine Skiing downhill event. During run 1, she hit one of the flag markers and tumbled in a horrific crash. As a result, her dream at the Winter Games ended with an injury, and she was airlifted to the hospital for further treatment.
On Friday, Vonn shared a hospital health update on Instagram. In the video, the former Olympic gold medalist can be heard saying she wanted to thank everyone for their good wishes, love, gifts, and support since the horrific crash. Furthermore, she exclaimed that she was going to have a crucial surgery on Saturday and subsequently another one later on.
“A little update from me… Thank you all so much for the love and support ❤️, one step at a time 🙏🏻💪🏻. And yup, that’s a bruise under my eye. Almost gone though!” Vonn wrote in the Instagram post’s caption. Renowned figures from the sporting world were quick to send their love and support to the four-time World Cup overall champion.
Besides Osaka, Clijsters, and Lisicki, other sporting icons also commented on the video, including David Beckham, Simone Biles, and Rennae Stubbs, among many others.
Osaka admires and applauds Vonn’s resilience and gritty nature. The Japanese star knows what it takes to be a champion, never gives up, and keep striving hard until you achieve your goals. Lately, the four-time Grand Slam champion has found it challenging to win silverware and avoid injuries.
Naomi Osaka Pulls Out of Dubai Open, Further Accentuating Her Injury Concerns
The two-time US Open champion had pulled out of the Australian Open ahead of her third-round match against Madison Inglis due to an underlying injury concern that had been flaring up since she arrived in Melbourne. Not wanting to aggravate the issue further, the Japanese had to take the difficult decision to withdraw from the Grand Slam.
In the Middle East swing, Osaka skipped the Qatar Open to focus on the Dubai Open, which starts on February 16. But the two-time Australian Open champion has now withdrawn from the Dubai Open as well, further intensifying her injury concerns.
While she might suffer a fall in the WTA rankings, it remains to be seen whether the Japanese ace will be healthy in time for the Indian Wells Open (WTA 1000), which begins on March 2.
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