BEVERLY HILLS, May 28, (THEWILL) – In their response to a decision by Naomi Osaka, the world number two female tennis player, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) said it would welcome dialogue with her after she publicly said she was boycotting every Press Conference at this year’s French Open.
As reported by THEWILL, Osaka cited the impact on players’ mental wellbeing for her decision. She said the nature of questions from journalists was like “kicking a person when they are down”, something she was going to avoid by not participating in any press conferences at Roland Garros.
In the immediate aftermath of her public withdrawal from the press conferences, the 23-year-old was supported by rival Iga Swiatek’s sports psychologist, Daria Abramowicz, who said she appreciated Osaka’s concern about facing questions after a defeat:
“I absolutely understand the decision in terms of when a player loses a match, and tennis is such a specific sport because at the end of the tournament only one person does not lose. It’s tough emotionally to cope with it; it is one of the challenges that tennis brings. It’s sometimes overwhelming.”
Also lending support were Retired Formula One champion Nico Rosberg, former tennis player Zina Garrison and British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith.
Garrison tweeted: “Naomi Osaka has a point, but it is two sides to this coin. She will be able to pay for the fine most Athletes can’t. Love you are bringing awareness to mental health in sports. Come together with all sides and work on a solution now.”
On his part, Rosberg told Reuters on Thursday: “I think it’s quite a ballsy step again from her. I can understand because when I was on my way to the championship… I switched everything off. No media, no news, no emails,”
However, there were some negative reactions as 13-times French Open champion, the Spaniard Rafa Nadal and women’s world number one, Australian Ashleigh Barty believe players have a duty to address the media. In addition to that, Osaka’s decision was slammed by the French Tennis Federation (FFT).
Gilles Moretton, the FTT President said, “It’s a deep regret, for you journalists, for her (Naomi Osaka) personally and for tennis in general. I think this is a phenomenal mistake. It shows to what extent today (the need) that there is strong governance in tennis.”
A player of Osaka’s pedigree commands influence and respect. In reality, after the great American tennis icon, Serena Williams, Osaka commands the highest profile of any female tennis player. That is why her decision has left the WTA in an awkward position and with a need to respond because the issue of mental health is a grave one to simply cast aside.
On Friday, therefore, the Association issued a statement that read: “Mental health is of the utmost importance to the WTA and for that matter, every individual person.
“We have a team of professionals and a support system in place that looks after our athletes’ mental and emotional health and well-being.
“The WTA welcomes a dialogue with Naomi (and all players) to discuss possible approaches that can help support an athlete as they manage any concerns related to mental health.”
Mental health concerns have been a point of discussion since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when the tours started operating in front of empty stands after a five-month suspension due to the international lockdown.
This year, Frenchman Benoit Paire, a former top-20 player, said he was “mentally exhausted” by life on the tour amid the COVID-19 restrictions and found no joy in playing without fans.
How Osaka responds may determine where the discussion goes in the debate around press conferences and the mental health of the players involved.
The French Open, which starts on Sunday, has never been a happy hunting ground for Osaka, who skipped the event last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She has not got past the third round in four appearances.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
