Athletes rally behind Naomi Osaka's withdrawal from the French Open

Tennis - French Open - Roland Garros, Paris, France - May 30, 2021 Picture taken May 30, 2021 Japan's Naomi Osaka reacts during her first round match against Romania's Patricia Maria Tig REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

One of the biggest names in women’s tennis has stunned the tennis world, withdrawing from the French Open due to mental health concerns.

After winning her round one match Naomi Osaka refused to speak to the media in what is a traditional press conference – post any match at the grand slams.

Osaka was fined USD$15,000 and initially slammed by other players.

Grand Slam officials threatened to suspend Osaka from future tournaments after she boycotted the press conferences during the French Open.

The 23-year-old said last week she would not do news conferences at the French open to protect her mental health.

pic.twitter.com/LN2ANnoAYD
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021

World number two Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the French Open, REVEALING A STATEMENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA.

It’s a story that turned within the space of a few hours. Initially players including Ash Barty and Rafa Nadal suggested press conferences are part of the sport, but the backlash against the tournament has been fierce.

NBA coach Stan Van Gundy sent out a tweet saying “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?”

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? https://t.co/B0MXQKCilp
— Stan Van Gundy (@realStanVG) May 31, 2021

Other influential names to support Osaka included Billie Jean King, Venus Williams, NBA Star Steph Curry and Sloane Stephens.

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

Osaka sent out a statement across her social media channels saying quote “Anyone that knows me knows that Im 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”

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