Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the French Open due to personal issues related to mental health as she clarifies the reason why she had boycotted press conferences at the tournament.
The former world No.1 had been under fire over her decision to not fulfil her media commitments at the Grand Slam after announcing her intention not to do so on social media last week. Following her first round match on Sunday she was issued with a $15,000 fine and warned by the Grand Slam Board she could be defaulted from the tournament if she continued her boycott.
Amid the storm which has been generated from Osaka’s decision, she has now pulled out of the Grand Slam. In a statement published on social media the Japanese player said her decision is ‘the best thing’ for the French Open because ‘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 trivialize mental health or use the term lightly,” Osaka wrote.
The world No.2 goes on to reveal that she has been suffering from depression since 2018, as well as social anxiety. Osaka says she wears headphones to help her cope with her anxiety.
She has also issued an apology to any journalist who she may have unintentionally hurt with her media boycott. No other tennis player in history have ever vowed to play in a Grand Slam event without speaking to the press. Osaka’s move was one which split opinion in the sport. WTA founder Billie Jean King said she was ‘torn’ in trying to learn from both sides of the argument.
“Though the tennis press has always been kind to me (and I wanna apologize especially to all the cool journalists who I may have hurt ),” she said.
“I am not a natural public speaker and get huge waves of anxiety before I speak to the world’s media. I get really nervous and find it stressful to always try to engage and give you the best answers I can.”
“So here in Paris I was already feeling vulnerable and anxious so I thought it was better to exercise self – care and skip the press conferences.”
One interesting aspect of Osaka’ statement was that she said she wrote directly to the French Open apologizing. Although it is unclear as to when she sent the letter/email. Yesterday the Grand Slam Board accused the tennis player of ‘a lack of engagement.’
The 23-year-old says she hopes her media boycott would help highlight what she describes as ‘outdated rules’ related to players commitments with the media. Osaka says she will speak with the Grand Slams if they wish after the tournament has ended.
“I’m gonna take some time away from the court now, but when the time is right I really want to work with the Tour to discuss ways we can make things better for the players, press and fans.” She concluded.
It is unclear as to when Osaka will return to competitive tennis with Wimbledon less than four weeks away.
