WATCH: Naomi Osaka said she was withdrawing from the French Open and would be taking some time away from the tennis court
Japan’s Naomi Osaka stunned the tennis world on Monday by withdrawing from the French Open after deciding to boycott post-match media duties, explaining she had been suffering from depression for almost three years.
She was fined $15,000 by the Roland Garros referee, and Grand Slam organisers later issued a strongly worded statement warning of possible expulsion from the French Open and future majors if she failed to change her stance."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.
Osaka, one of the biggest names in women's sport, went on to say she had suffered from depression since 2018. Reading from a prepared statement at a news conference, FFT president Gilles Moretton said: "We are sorry and sad for Naomi Osaka... we wish her the best and quickest possible recovery, and we look forward to having Naomi at our tournament next year. He added that the major tennis bodies were committed to athletes' well-being and improving their tournament experience, including their interaction with the media.
Osaka said that since then, she has struggled with being in the spotlight. On Monday, Osaka said she suffers "huge waves of anxiety" before speaking to the world's media."The only thing I feel is that I feel for Naomi. I feel like I wish I could give her a hug," the 39-year-old American said after her first-round win. "Because I know what it's like. I've been in those positions.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Naomi Osaka Withdrawals from French Open and Raises Athlete Mental Health Awareness - V MagazineThe 23 year-old tennis champion pulled out of the French Open after being fined for skipping a press conference due to her mental health
Read more »
Will Smith Adds His Support for Naomi Osaka After Her Withdrawal From the French OpenWill Smith, Viola Davis, Dionne Warwick, and others have shown support for Naomi Osaka after she chose to exit the French Open.
Read more »
Swiatek overcomes slow start to reach French Open fourth roundDefending champion Iga Swiatek overcame a sluggish start to book her place in the last 16 of the French Open with a 7-6(4) 6-0 victory over Estonian Anna Kontaveit on Saturday.
Read more »
Djokovic marches into fourth round to face teen Musetti in French OpenWorld number one Novak Djokovic will meet 19-year-old Lorenzo Musetti of Italy for a spot in the quarterfinals after he brushed aside 93rd-ranked Ricardas Berankis of Lithuania 6-1, 6-4, 6-1 in third round match on Saturday.
Read more »
Nadal crushes Norrie to reach French Open fourth roundRafa Nadal barely broke sweat as he continued his quest for a 21st Grand Slam with a brutal 6-3 6-3 6-3 dismantling of Briton Cameron Norrie in the third round of the French Open on Saturday.
Read more »
Russian Tennis Player Yana Sizikova Arrested for Match Fixing at 2020 French OpenThe 26-year-old Russian player -- currently ranked 765 in the world by the WTA -- was taken into custody in Paris on Thursday evening, officials confirm.
Read more »