The exit of Naomi Osaka from the 2021 Roland Garros Tournament over her decision not to engage with the media after the matches has led to much debate.
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The four-time Grand Slam winner has been battling depression since 2018. She stated, “This isn’t a situation I ever imagined or intended when I posted a few days ago. I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my wellbeing is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris.”
Although many athletes sportspersons consider press conferences a part of their job, it shouldn’t be at the expense of their mental wellbeing. Imagine a situation where she retires from a match injured and in need of urgent medical care, would she not skip the press interviews?
Support for Naomi Osaka
Several celebrities and sports personalities have applauded the decision of the world number two.
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova said, “I am so sad about Naomi Osaka. I truly hope she will be ok. As athletes we are taught to take care of our body, and perhaps the mental and emotional aspect gets short shrift. This is about more than doing or not doing a press conference. Good luck Naomi – we are all pulling for you!”
In their statement, the organizers said, “A core element of the Grand Slam regulations is the responsibility of the players to engage with the media, whatever the result of their match, a responsibility which players take for the benefit of the sport, the fans and for themselves.”
Naomi Osaka feels differently. She believes that expecting a player to answer questions after a gruelling match or defeat is like “kicking a person while they’re down”.
In an unprecedented move, the Calm App has offered to pay the fines for any players who plans to opt out of media appearances for mental health reasons during the 2021 Grand Slam.
Osaka’s recovery process continues
With goodwill messages flowing after her exit from the games, it is believed that the athlete will be back to her best soon. Age is on her side and there are many Grand Slams to win. She has proven that she has what it takes to get to the top.
Unfortunately, there is a likelihood that her ranking will be affected ahead of Wimbledon. The lesson here for tournament organizers is to offer athletes, who are bold to speak out about depression, a helping hand. Jettisoning media engagement for Osaka would have done no harm.
Sports fans want to see action and not the politics of the sport. The organizers must now fashion out a way of bringing back Osaka to the court. The sport should come first, for the benefit of the fans who expect to see the best on the courts. Her absence in the games gives Serena Williams a free pass and a chance to get her 24th Grand Slam.
To others suffering from depression, Osaka has inspired them to speak out and get help. There is hope that she will overcome the ‘demon’ and be back soon doing what she knows best.
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