Naomi Osaka withdrew from the 2021 French Open citing mental health struggles, sparking global conversation about athletes’ wellbeing and media obligations.
The Controversy
May 26, 2021: Osaka announced she wouldn’t participate in press conferences at Roland Garros due to mental health. “I’ve often felt that people have no regard for athletes’ mental health.”
French Open fined her $15,000 after first-round win. Threatened expulsion if she continued boycott.
May 31, 2021: Osaka withdrew from tournament entirely. Revealed she’d suffered “long bouts of depression” since 2018 US Open (where she beat Serena Williams amid crowd booing). Announced break from tennis.
The Backlash and Support
Critics called her spoiled, said media is part of job. Piers Morgan attacked her. Tennis establishment defended mandatory press.
Supporters: Serena Williams, Billie Jean King, Stephen Curry, Michael Phelps. Osaka’s honesty praised as courageous. Highlighted toxic relationship between media scrutiny and athlete wellbeing.
Broader Impact
Osaka returned for Tokyo Olympics (representing Japan). Lit Olympic cauldron but lost early.
Her stance joined Simone Biles’ twisties withdrawal (weeks later) in normalizing mental health prioritization. Athletes increasingly vocal about depression, anxiety, pressure.
Four-time Grand Slam champion at 23, Osaka chose health over obligation. The conversation she started continues.
Source: WTA Tennis