Naomi Osaka quits French Open after media boycott saga

The US Open 2018 women’s final will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, and Naomi Osaka cites it as the start of her mental health struggles. Here’s why.

Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the French Open following the bitter fallout from her decision to boycott all media activity at the Grand Slam event, revealing she has “suffered long bouts of depression” and will “take some time away from the court”.

In a long statement released through her social media channels, Osaka pinpointed her maiden grand slam title win at the 2018 US Open as the moment things started to get tough.

The date will forever be remembered as the night Serena Williams launched an explosive tirade at chair umpire Carlos Ramos during which she accused him of sexism.

Osaka and Williams at the 2018 US Open final

While Osaka won the match, she was reduced to tears during the presentation. It should have been one of her happiest memories. Her moment was stolen.

“The truth is that I have suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that,” she said after quitting the Paris-based slam.

“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.”

pic.twitter.com/LN2ANnoAYD

— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021

After winning her opening round clash, Williams was asked about Osaka’s withdrawal by reporters.

“I feel for Naomi,” she said. “I feel like I wish I could give her a hug because I know what it’s like. Like I said, I’ve been in those positions.

“We have different personalities and people are different. Not everyone is the same. I’m thick. Other people are thin. Everyone is different and everyone handles things differently.

“You just have to let her handle it the way she wants to, in the best way she thinks she can. That’s the only thing I can say. I think she’s doing the best that she can.”

Williams felt attacked by chair umpire Carlos Ramos

Of course, not everything can be attributed to what happened in 2018, Osaka has had a turbulent time handling media commitments and the expectation that comes with being Serena’s heir apparent.

Add to this the fact she is the face of the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics the pressure has been rising.

Ahead of the French Open she announced she would not conduct media committments. The news was met with mixed emotions from her peers and officials.

Following through with her decision, Osaka did no media after her opening round win and was fined $15,000 and threatened with disqualification.

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She claimed on the eve of Roland Garros that such post-match inquests were akin to “kicking people when they are down” and that they had a detrimental effect on her mental health.

“I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer,” the four-time Grand Slam title winner said in her statement.

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 & 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!

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) May 31, 2021

“The truth is I have suffered bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that.”

She added: “In Paris, I was already feeling vulnerable and anxious so I thought it was better to exercise self-care and skip the press conferences.

“I announced it preemptively because I do feel like the rules are quite out-dated in parts and I wanted to highlight that.

“I am going to take some time away from the court now.”

Osaka said she has also apologised to organisers over the affair which has dominated the early stages of the French Open ever since she warned last week that she would not carry out any media activity.

Naomi Osaka has caused a stir with her stance on press conferences at the French Open. Picture: Julian Finney/Getty Images

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova said she fully supported Osaka’s decision. “I truly hope she will be ok. As athletes we are taught to take care of our body, and perhaps the mental & emotional aspect gets short shrift,” tweeted Navratilova.

“This is about more than doing or not doing a press conference. Good luck Naomi - we are all pulling for you!”

French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton had described her vow of silence as “a phenomenal error”.

The four Grand Slam events -- Wimbledon, the French, Australian and US Opens -- said they had written to Osaka “to check on her wellbeing and offer support”.

“She was also reminded of her obligations, the consequences of not meeting them and that rules should equally apply to all players.”

REACTION

“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 & 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!” -- Eighteen-time Grand Slam singles winner Martina Navratilova responds to the news on Twitter.

“We are sorry and sad for Naomi Osaka that she has withdrawn from the tournament.” -- French tennis federation president Gille Moretton.

“Stay strong (love heart emoji). I admire your vulnerability.” -- Teenage American player Coco Gauff.

“I respect her decision. I respect what she does. I can’t really comment on that. I feel like everyone’s dealing with their own stuff.” -- American fourth seed Sofia Kenin.

Osaka has said she will take time away from tennis

“You shouldn’t ever have to make a decision like this — but so damn impressive taking the high road when the powers that be don’t protect their own. Major respect @naomiosaka,” Steph Curry wrote.

Venus Williams commented: “So proud of you. Take care of yourself and see you back winning soon!”

Sloane Stephens said: “We’re behind you babygirl, take the time you need!”

It’s incredibly brave that Naomi Osaka has revealed her truth about her struggle with depression.

Right now, the important thing is that we give her the space and time she needs.

We wish her well.

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) May 31, 2021

“Everyone talks about mental health after someone commits suicide but ridicules everyone who tries to protect their mental health. You are strong for standing up and speaking out and even giving up the game you love to protect your mental health. I salute you young queen.” -- West Indies cricket international Carlos Brathwaite.

“Just a question for the tennis authorities - is it better for your sport to have Naomi Osaka playing and not speaking to the media or not playing at all?” -- Stan Van Gundy, head coach of NBA team the New Orleans Pelicans.

THE IRONIC RESPONSE FROM FFT PRESIDENT

Last week he called Osaka out for a “phenomenal error” today French Tennis Federation (FFT) president Gilles Moretton said:

“The outcome of Naomi withdrawing from Roland Garros is unfortunate. We wish her the best and the quickest possible recovery, and we look forward to having Naomi in our tournament next year,” he said.

“As all the Grand Slams, the WTA, the ATP, and the ITF, we remain very committed to all athletes’ wellbeing, and to continually improving every aspect of players’ experience in our tournament — including with the media, like we have always strived to do.”

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Originally published as Naomi Osaka quits French Open after media boycott saga