Naomi Osaka Withdraws From French Open
June 1, 2021
Rebecca Rodriguez

On Wednesday, four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka announced that she would not be participating in any news conferences during the 2021 french Open, citing her mental health as the reason for the decision. Osaka’s announcement sparked much debate in the tennis and sports world. After she didn’t appear at her post-match news conference following her victory against Patricia Maria Tig on Sunday, Osaka was fined $15,000. In addition to the fine, Osaka received a surprising warning from all four Grand Slam tournaments that she could face stiffer penalties, including disqualification or even suspension if she continues to avoid the media.

Getty Images/ Xinhua News Agency/ Xinhua News Agency

So, the following day, on Monday, Osaka announced via social media that she has withdrawn from the competition and will “take some time away from the court.” In her statement, Osaka wrote: “I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that 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 message could have been clearer. More importantly, I would never trivialize mental health or use the term lightly.”

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