Tennis star Naomi Osaka, who pulled out of Wimbledon this year and pulled out of the French Open in the wake of controversy over her decision to skip mandatory postmatch news conferences, is among athletes attending The ESPYS in New York on Saturday.
Osaka, 23, who has said she has been battling with anxiety and depression since winning her four Grand Slam titles at the 2018 US Open, is set to represent Japan at the Tokyo Olympics later this month.
She is among the nominees for Best Athlete, Women's Sports and Best Athlete, Women's Tennis at ESPYS (ABC, 8 p.m. ET).
Other high-profile athletes participating in ESPYS include DeAndre Hopkins (Arizona Cardinals), Rob Gronkowski (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), Sarah Fuller (Vanderbilt Football), Jalen Suggs (Gonzaga men's basketball), Paige Bukers (Ukon women's basketball), Including Amanda. Nunes (UFC), Betnijah Laney (New York Liberty) and Julius Randall (New York Knicks). National champions Jocelyn Allo (Oklahoma softball), Jared Butler (Baylor men's basketball) and Devonta Smith (Alabama football) A large contingent of NCAA stars are expected to travel to New York. Coaching legends Roy Williams and Tara Onedarveer are also scheduled to be in attendance.
Joining previously announced honorees are Chris Nikic (Jimmy V Award for Perseverance recipient) and Maya Moore (Arthur Ashe Award for Courage recipient).
The 2021 ESPYS, presented by Capital One, will be hosted by actor and producer Anthony Mackie. Peloton superstar trainer Eli Love will be the behind-the-scenes host of the show, and former NFL star Vernon Davis will serve as the voice of ESPYS.a