Naomi Osaka may have just taught us a valuable lesson!
on social media that she would be avoiding the press at this tournament, asserting that the nature of press conferences is harmful to athletes and that “people have no regard for athletes’ mental health.” She said, “I believe that the whole situation is kicking a person while they’re down and I don’t understand the reasoning behind it.”
Unsurprisingly, Osaka’s initial announcement was met with mixed reactions from the general public, the media, and fellow tennis colleagues, many of whom thought she was overreacting. She was called spoiled and entitled, with most of the critics pointing out that doing press is part of her job and her contractual obligations—as well as the contractual obligations of every other athlete.statement
. The beginning of the statement reinforces their “commitment to all athletes’ well-being,” affirming that “the mental health of players competing in our tournaments and on the Tours is of the utmost importance to the Grand Slams.” However, the statement goes on to say the following: “We have advised Naomi Osaka that should she continue to ignore her media obligations during the tournament, she would be exposing herself to possible further Code of Conduct infringement consequences.
At this point, Osaka was in a less-than-ideal situation. The concerns she expressed about her mental health were not only met with criticism from her peers, but they were also met with threats to exclude her from the four major tennis tournaments—communicated directly from the leaders of those tournaments themselves. But she handled the situation with grace, humility, and self-respect. Here’s what we can all learn from Osaka’s actions throughout the past week.
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 And The Necessity Of RefusalNaomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open in order to guard her mental health. Here's why the power of refusal is necessary for all workers.
Read more »
Naomi Osaka Withdraws From French Open to Focus on Mental Health“I get waves of anxiety before I speak to the world’s media,' reads a statement as Naomi Osaka withdraws from the French Open for mental health reasons.
Read more »
Naomi Osaka Shows That Prioritizing Yourself Over A Job Is Still A Radical ActYou may not be an elite tennis athlete, but setting boundaries is a hard decision you'll face at work, too.
Read more »
Naomi Osaka Withdraws From French Open For Opponents’ Mental HealthPARIS—Saying that her decision was made with the hope of inspiring the next generation of players, Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open Monday for opponents’ mental health. “It’s time for me to take a step back from the crushing depression this game inflicts on my opposition,” said Osaka, who hoped to inspire other players to forfeit matches against her moving forward so they could focus on their own self-care. “I know how hard it is to lose as the top-ranked player and I could never inflict that harm on Ashleigh [Barty]. The people who don’t respect my decision clearly have never played against me and then been subjected to a press conference afterwards. It takes a toll on your self-esteem.” At press time, Grand Slam tournament organizers announced plans to consider permanently banning Osaka for the sake of the game. \n
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 »
Why we should praise Naomi Osaka’s stand on mental healthInstead of ridiculing public figures, we should be praising them for their contribution to a society-wide conversation about mental health that is still in its infancy Opinion | NatashaSHenry
Read more »