Tennis star Naomi Osaka talks about her mental health

Tennis star Naomi Osaka talks about her mental health June 3, 2021
On May 31, Japanese athlete Naomi Osaka withdrew from competition at the French Open tennis tournament after revealing her battle with anxiety, depression and the pressure to respond to the media.
The 23-year-old’s decision to withdraw came after she was criticized and fined $15,000 US for skipping the mandatory press conference after her game.
“The truth is, I have suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that … Anyone that knows me knows I am introverted, and anyone that has seen me at tournaments will notice that I’m often wearing headphones as that helps dull my social anxiety … I am not a natural public speaker and get huge waves of anxiety before I speak to the world’s media.” — World’s No. 2-ranked women's tennis player, Naomi Osaka on Twitter
Three-time French Open champion Serena Williams came out in support of Osaka. “I wish I could give her a hug because I know what it's like. I've been in those positions,” she said.
Other players, including 13-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal, have said they respect Osaka's right to take a stance, but they consider speaking to reporters to be part of the job.
Tennis officials have promised to address Osaka’s concerns and support other players with their mental health. In a statement, International Tennis Federation official Heather Bowler said the sport will “review what needs to evolve” after Osaka “shone a light on mental health issues.”