Mental health in sport is back in the spotlight after one of the world’s best tennis players quite the French Open.
Naomi Osaka has suffered from depression for a number of years.
Proud of you, @naomiosaka. https://t.co/ReCg1K33oA
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 31, 2021
It’s one of the world’s biggest Tennis tournaments.
However nobody is actually talking about the tennis.
It started when officials fined the World Number 2 Naomi Osaka $15,000.
That was after she said she wouldn’t do any press conferences following her matches.
Following some backlash, the 23 year old then announced on social media last night that she was quitting.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021
She's also spoken about suffering long bouts of depression since winning the US open in 2018.
The Management Team Didn't Handle This Well
Former Irish rugby player Alan Quinlan has been honest about his own battle with mental health
Alan says her management team should have handled this better from the start.
"They should've released a statement and maybe foreseen the furore that's come out of this."
"But in some ways it's a very good thing because it does highlight that people in all walks of life struggle with their mental health."
Re: Naomi Osaka, this shows just how exposed you are as an individual athlete. There are many hugely famous and world-class athletes in team sports who have barely said a word to the press in years.
— Musa Okwonga (@Okwonga) June 1, 2021
"I Wish I Could Give Her A Hug"
Serena Williams says she has sympathy for Naomi.
"I wish I could give her a hug because I know what it's like."
"I've been in those positions."
Serena says everyone needs to let Naomi handle it herself, "in the best way that she thinks she can."
Leading figures in politics and sport, like Alexandria Ocasio Cortez and Usain Bolt have all offered their support to Naomi Osaka.
