Tennis star Naomi Osaka has found support from major sponsors and sports personalities after deciding to withdraw from the ongoing French Open citing mental health and revealing that she suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018.
World number two Osaka was on Sunday was fined 15,000 dollars for skipping the press conference following her win in the first round in the ongoing French Open.
The tournament organisers had said that the Japanese tennis star could be subjected to additional sanctions if she continues to “ignore her media obligations”. Last week, Osaka had said that she would not be taking part in press conferences during the French Open in order to ensure better mental health.
“The truth is that I have suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that. Anyone that knows me knows I’m introverted, and anyone that has seen me at the tournaments will notice that I’m often wearing headphones as that helps dull my social anxiety,” Osaka said in a statement on Twitter.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021
World number one Novak Djokovic hailed Naomi Osaka as “brave and bold” for withdrawing from the French Open and revealing her struggles with anxiety and depression but admitted he wasn’t surprised she had been threatened with a Grand Slam ban.
India women’s Test and ODI skipper Mithali Raj on Tuesday said that she has never felt the need to forego a press conference as she understands that women’s cricket right now needs media support.
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Earlier, Former India batsman Mohammad Kaif on Tuesday said that players across different sports should be allowed to avoid media if that helps in ensuring better mental health.
Nike (NKE) and other major sponsors also support Osaka’s decision. The sports apparel giant — who signed a sponsorship deal with Osaka in 2019 — applauded the athlete in a statement on Monday for opening up about her struggle with depression.
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