Naomi Osaka withdraws from French Open amid press conferences row
Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from French Open amid press conferences row.
Naomi Osaka has announced her withdrawal from Roland Garros one day after she was fined $15,000 by the French Open and warned that she could face expulsion from the tournament following her decision not to speak with the press during the tournament.
Announcing her decision in a statement on Monday Osaka said she was leaving the tournament so that the focus could return to tennis after days of attention and widespread discussion.
“This isn’t a situation I ever imagined or intended when I posted a few days ago,” Osaka wrote on social media.
“I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris.
“I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer. More importantly, I would never trivialise mental health or use the term lightly.”
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021
The world No 2 Osaka has received support from numerous public figures since her announcement.
It’s incredibly brave that Naomi Osaka has revealed her truth about her struggle with depression.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) May 31, 2021
Right now, the important thing is that we give her the space and time she needs.
We wish her well.
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!
— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) May 31, 2021
Naomi Osaka is brave and self responsible. Her stand should be applauded. She is doing what we all should do. Saying ‘no’ when saying yes will do us harm. Good for her @ABCthedrum
— Jane Caro (@JaneCaro) June 1, 2021
💯 ❤️❤️❤️ you’re an amazing woman we are all supporting you!
— Cris Cyborg 1-0 boxer (@criscyborg) May 31, 2021
It takes courage to do what Naomi Osaka has done, taking a solid stand to protect her mental health against pot stirring media personalities and choosing not to participate in French Open. I also stand with her. Amazing athletes like her are human too.
— Ricky Davila (@TheRickyDavila) June 1, 2021