Reactions have continued to pour in over Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open.
This came after she declined to participate in a post-match press conference and was fined $15k hours after she won her opening match. Osaka was also threatened with disqualification.
In a statement announcing her withdrawal, The four-time Grand Slam tournament winner opened up on her struggle with depression.
The 23-year-old also revealed that she had struggled with depression and anxiety since her 2018 US Open breakthrough and this made her avoid media interviews and press conferences.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021
This has sparked a conversation on the importance of mental health care as celebrities and fans alike have commended her decision.
I hate that Naomi Osaka even had to explain herself. It was pretty clear to anybody with sense what she was trying to say in her first post. But she had to come and break it down for the crusties and then apologise for what she’s going through.
Horrible.
— Kelechi (@kelechnekoff) May 31, 2021
Naomi Osaka made the right decision. Mental illness is serious and it is always an act of courage to step away to deal with personal issues. Emphasis on the word personal.
It’s becoming too fashionable for one person’s experience to transform into a demand for everybody else…— Candace Owens (@RealCandaceO) May 31, 2021
We don’t deserve Naomi Osaka and I’m inspired by her guarding her joy right now.
She saw how society did the other Black women who played at her level.
She’s breaking the cycle.
— Ernest Owens (@MrErnestOwens) May 31, 2021
Naomi Osaka does not owe anyone an explanation…. Our mental health care is a MUST!!!!!
— Uche Jombo Rodriguez (@uchejombo) May 31, 2021
Applauding Naomi Osaka for putting her mental wellness first.
— Karen Civil (@KarenCivil) May 31, 2021