Naomi Osaka’s Paris exit begs questions on athletes’ humanity and the role of the media

It’s the outcome that nobody expected at all: Naomi Osaka, arguably one of the top female tennis players in the world, out of the French open.

Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open presents some sort of dispute. According to the officials of Roland Garros, post-match news conferences are necessary. Post-match conferences are a means of marketing the sport plus its participants and when Naomi pledged that she wouldn’t be taking part in the tournament, they immediately imposed fines on her, along with threatening her with expulsion, and further sanctions, including suspension. To say the least, such a move seemed more of a draconian proclamation.

Osaka’s move to boycott news conferences saw the 23-year-old tennis star being compelled to make a choice between her own mental well-being and the responsibilities that she carries as one of the most celebrated figures in female tennis.

In response, Naomi Osaka withdrew on Monday from the French Open, citing via social media channels her mental health, bouts with anxiety and depression that resulted from public speaking. Undoubtedly, it was nothing but a dramatic exit.

Osaka’s withdrawal leaves a number of questions regarding mental health, the humanity of athletes, along with the role of the media in such scenarios. Her attempts to shield herself from stress and instances of external pressure made her the focal point of the French Open, a move that dew a fine of $15,000.

The presidents of four Grand Slam events – the French, the Australian, the U.S. Open, and Wimbledon later issued a statement on Monday threatening further penalties or even disqualification not only from the French Open, but also on other Grand Slam events if Osaka won’t comply.

But with no sign of any sort of compromise in sight, Naomi chose not to participate in the event. She went ahead to announce her decision on Monday in statement where she said that she never had any intentions to become a distraction. Osaka also disclosed more regarding her challenges with mental health.

“The truth is that I have suffered long bouts of depression since the U.S. Open in 2018 and I have a really hard time coping with that,” wrote Naomi Osaka. Osaka further stated that she would take some time away from the court and gave no indications on when she would be able to return.

Meditation app Calm is however standing with Osaka and any other tennis players looking to do the same by pledging to pay any fines that they may incur. Calm, a San Francisco-based software provider has promised to offer emotional and financial support for any player that shuns grand slam press conferences on grounds of mental health.

On Wednesday, the company donated $15,000 to Laureus, a French youth sports charity. Osaka’s withdrawal has triggered renewed conversation surrounding the mental status of professional athletes. Even though there has been some sort of condemnation from some fans and others in the media, on the other hand, there’s been some outpouring support for the tennis star across the sports landscape.

Disclaimer: We do not own the title image of this blog nor do we own the images above!