Naomi Osaka despatched shockwaves when she introduced her choice to withdraw from the continuing French Open 2021 on Monday following quite a bit of controversy surrounding her choice to not converse to the press in the course of the match in Paris. On Monday, Osaka introduced that it was “the perfect factor for the match, the opposite gamers and my well-being” that she stepped away and take some time off from the sport. She revealed about her bouts of depression ever since winning the US Open 2018 and that ahead of this year’s Roland Garros, she was “already feeling vulnerable and anxious”, therefore she thought it finest to guard her psychological well being by avoiding the media.
Osaka had introduced her choice to skip press conferences every week upfront however she received more and more remoted in her choice with the opposite gamers talking the significance of media of their success. After not attending the press convention following her first spherical win, Osaka was fined and all of the 4 Grand Slams launched a joint assertion threatening Osaka of expulsion from Roland Garros and probably, the opposite Grand Slam tournaments.
On Monday, French Open even mocked Osaka by placing out a tweet with gamers doing their press conferences, captioning it “The understood their task.”
After Osaka announced her decision, the French tennis federation president Gilles Moretton called up the press to give a statement on Osaka’s withdrawal and ironically, refused to take any questions.
Following all the drama, Osaka received support from her fellow athletes, current and past, with the NBA star Stephen Curry condemning the powers that be in the world of tennis. “You shouldnt ever have to make a decison like this-but so damn impressive taking the high road when the powers that be dont protect their own. major respect @naomiosaka.”
West Indies cricket worldwide Carlos Brathwaite saluted Osaka, calling her sturdy to be giving up the sport she likes to focus on self-care. “Everyone talks about psychological well being after somebody commits suicide however ridicules everybody who tries to guard their psychological well being. You are sturdy for standing up and talking out and even giving up the sport you like to guard your psychological well being. I salute you younger queen,” he tweeted.
Head coach of NBA team the New Orleans Pelicans Stan Van Gundy asked a pertinent question as he said, “Just a question for the tennis authorities – is it better for your sport to have Naomi Osaka playing and not speaking to the media or not playing at all?”
Two-time Grand Slam champion and at present taking part in Paris, Victoria Azarenka took a veiled dig as she mentioned, “The problem as we speak is to persuade folks of the worth of reality, honesty, compassion and a priority for others.”
23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams was also compassionate towards Osaka and said, “The only thing I feel is that I feel for Naomi. I feel like I wish I could give her a hug because I know what it’s like.”
Tennis’ teenage sensation Coco Gauff requested Osaka to remain sturdy and mentioned that she admired her vulnerability.
Another American Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin mentioned she will’t actually remark on Osaka’s choice however respects it nonetheless. “I respect her choice. I respect what she does. I can’t actually remark on that. I really feel like everybody’s coping with their very own stuff.”
18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova took to Twitter to express her sadness over Osaka’s withdrawal and said this was about more than a press conference issue. “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!” she tweeted.
Former top-10 ATP participant Mardy Fish got here out in fierce help of Osaka in her choice to guard her psychological well being and he was “right here” for her. “Mental Health is nothing to criticize. Nothing to joke about. Pls take your mental health seriously. Without my support system, I truly believe I would not be here today. Here for you @naomiosaka.”
Billie Jean King, who was essential of Osaka’s choice to skip the press conferences, mentioned, “It’s extremely brace that Naomi Osaka has revealed her reality about her wrestle with despair. Right now, the vital factor is that we give her the area and time she wants. We want her nicely.”
Former world No.1 Lindsay Davenport said on Tennis Channel that she saw a lack of concern in tennis when she was an active player for the well-being of her contemporary Jennifer Capriati and hopes that Osaka would be treated better. In 1994, Capriati admitted that she had contemplated suicide due to tennis burnout and issues over her appearance and relationships and her mental health struggles led to a number of serious incidents off the court.
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