TENNIS
Osaka withdraws from French Open over media boycott
The French Open loses No 2 seed Naomi Osaka after she withdraws for her own ‘wellbeing’ following criticism for a self-imposed media boycott.
Japan’s Naomi Osaka stunned the French Open on Monday when she announced she was withdrawing from the tournament in the wake of her decision to boycott post-match media duties, explaining she had been suffering from depression for almost three years.
Osaka said in the build-up to the tournament that she would not attend the obligatory press conferences, citing that the way journalists quizzed players adversely affected her mental wellbeing.
The four-time Grand Slam champion made good on her threat on Sunday when, after winning her first-round match, she did not hold a press conference. She was fined $15,000 by the Roland Garros referee and Grand Slam organisers later issued a statement warning of possible expulsion from the French Open and future majors if she fails to change her stance.
On Monday, the world number two decided to take matters into her own hands to end the standoff.
“This isn’t a situation I ever imagined or intended when I posted a few days ago,” the 23-year-old Osaka said on Twitter.
“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 my message could have been clearer.”
Osaka, one of the biggest names in women’s sport, went on to say she had suffered from depression since 2018.
“The truth is that I have suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that,” she said.
“Anyone that knows me knows I’m 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.”
After beating Serena Williams to claim her first major at the 2018 US Open, Osaka was booed by the crowd during the presentation ceremony as her victory was overshadowed by the American’s outburst following a row with the umpire.
Osaka said since then, she has struggled with being in the spotlight.
American Sofia Kenin, who won the Australian Open and finished runner-up at Roland Garros last year, said: “It’s definitely not easy. I mean, this is what you signed up for. This is sport.
“There’s expectations from the outside, sponsors, and everyone. You just have to somehow manage it. You have to have a good team around you who supports you.”
There was no immediate response from tournament organisers.
Osaka added that she later wanted to meet the sport’s organisers to improve the system.
“I wrote privately to the tournament apologising and saying that I would be more than happy to speak with them after the tournament as the slams are intense,” Osaka said.
“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.” Reuters/DM
Become an Insider
“After beating Serena Williams to claim her first major at the 2018 US Open, Osaka was booed by the crowd during the presentation ceremony as her victory was overshadowed by the American’s outburst following a row with the umpire. ”
This is how narcissistic people and a vengeful public demonize decent people. And then we, the public, will take it further and slam (excuse the pun) people like Naomi for trying to stand up for themselves.
Sorry Naomi, it was nice to see someone like you coming out tops. Now we’re only left with Serena again.
This episode reminds me of Don McLean’s lyrics, singing about Vincent van Gogh:
“But I could have told you, Vincent
This world was never meant for one
As beautiful as you”
The French Open management should be ashamed of themselves for their heavy handed approach to Osaka’s decision. Engagement instead of trying to shame her with comments about other athletes doing their job is unacceptable.
The main problem is a misunderstanding of what is depression. These tournament organisers think it’s some form of mode that someone skips in and out of. It has both physical and psychological consequences for an individual. I don’t think these morons would allow a player with a broken leg to continue playing, would they?. These stars now have huge social media platforms they use to communicate with fans, especially in these COVID days. What is so important about face to face interviews. Media rights commitments-MONEY.