Naomi Osaka Announced She Will Not Talk to Press Due to Mental Health Concerns
On May 26, Naomi Osaka took to social media to announce that she will not participate in the Roland-Garros press conference. In a long post, the tennis player discussed the importance of taking her own mental health into consideration. In support of the athlete, fans flooded the comments of her post with replies and tweets.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 26, 2021
In Osaka’s post, she explained that she “felt that people have no regard for athletes mental health.” To Osaka, this becomes a reality in the press room after a tennis match.
I am inspired by a woman half my age. Watching the self determination of @naomiosaka is a beautiful thing. Protecting her whole self and not sacrificing for the entertainment of others. She is openly valuing herself priceless and I am here for all of it. #PeaceIsPriceless
— Abi (@AAWilliams9) May 28, 2021
Not only is Osaka subject to poor treatment, but she also has watched other players “breaking down after a loss in the press room.” To clarify, the tennis player explained this statement is not personal to the Roland-Garros tournament. Additionally, the criticism of the press room also does not extend to every journalist. Osaka wrote that some journalists have interviewed her, and she has a “friendly relationship with most of them.”
@naomiosaka is everything we need in a sports superstar.
— Steve Allen (@CoachSteveAllen) May 28, 2021
That’s period. She’s unbelievable. 🤝🔥🔥
At the end of the announcement, Osaka mentioned the possibility of encountering a fine. According to the Grand Slam rulebook, players who do not participate in a press conference after the match can be fined up to $20,000.
Have so much respect for Naomi Osaka 🙌🏿👑.
— . (@_dineodiphoko) May 27, 2021
After posting, Osaka was given support by well-known celebrities such as Venus Williams and Nicki Minaj. Venus Williams commented, “Girl, do you. Your life is yours to live!”
If you want to send your own supportive message to Osaka, find her on Instagram and Twitter.
Writer | Find me on Twitter @Fontalvokayla
