‘Imagine punishing someone for anxiety in 2021!’

Following a fine and threats of expulsion from various tennis bodies, Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open on Monday, sparking a debate on the lack of empathy for those struggling with mental health issues
When World No 2 and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka announced last week that she would boycott the media at the ongoing French Open to protect her mental health, she’d anticipated the fines (while hoping the “considerable amount” she expected to forfeit would go towards a mental health charity), and a slight pushback.“We’re often sat there and asked questions that we’ve been asked multiple times before or asked questions that bring doubt into our minds, and I’m just not going to subject myself to people that doubt me,” the 23-year-old had explained.

What Naomi hadn’t expected was the full-force fury of all four Grand Slams (the French, Australian and US Opens as well as Wimbledon) – who didn’t just fine her 15,000 dollars for skipping a press conference but closed ranks to threaten her with potential suspension from future majors – and the lack of support from peers. Thirteen-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal and No 1-ranked Ash Barty said that they ‘respect’ Osaka’s right to take a stance, but also that they considered speaking to reporters part of the job. “Without the press... probably we will not be the athletes that we are today. We (aren’t) going to have the recognition that we have around the world, and we will not be that popular, no? (sic)’’ quipped Nadal. The WTA (Women’s Tennis Association), while “welcoming a dialogue” to discuss “concerns related to mental health”, chastised and reminded her of her “responsibility” to her sport and fans to speak to the media.

I know what it's like, I've been in the same positions: Serena Williams
“I wish I could give her a hug, because I know what it’s like. I've been in those positions. Not everyone’s the same. Everyone is different and everyone handles things differently. You just have to let her handle it the way she wants to and the best way she thinks she can. I think she is doing the best she can,” said the former world No 1 in women’s single tennis and winner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles.

This is about more than doing or not doing a press conference: Martina Navratilova
“I am so sad about Naomi Osaka. I truly hope she will be ok. As athletes we are taught to take care of our body, and perhaps the mental & emotional aspect gets short shrift. This is about more than doing or not doing a press conference. Good luck Naomi, we are all pulling for you!” wrote the 18-time Grand Slam champ.

Important to give Naomi space: Billie Jean King
“It’s incredibly brave that Naomi Osaka has revealed her truth about her struggle with depression. Right now, the important thing is that we give her the space and time she needs. We wish her well,” wrote the 39 Grand Slam winner in singles, doubles & mixed doubles.

The pro-player’s premature exit, and the overall insensitivity exhibited towards her, has sparked a larger debate on the topic of mental health amidst the sporting community and on social media. At one point, the French Open official website even tweeted photos of Rafael Nadal, Kei Nishikori, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff, all smiling under the caption, ‘They understood the assignment’. Former world doubles number one Rennae Stubbs, wrote in response, “Making a player feel guilty & humiliating her is NOT a good look for a tennis fed (sic).”



Post her exit, Osaka received kudos from Olympic track star Usain Bolt, US Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, multiple Grand Slam winner Venus Williams and supermodel Naomi Campbell, to name a few. Actor Jameela Jamil called to “boycott the French open”, adding, “Imagine punishing someone for anxiety in 2021.”