Naomi Osaka Withdraws From French Open
Naomi Osaka via Getty Images
On Monday, tennis star Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open after being fined for not speaking with the media. Osaka cited depression and anxiety as the reasons why she decided not to attend her press conferences. She said that she did not want to be a distraction going forward.
There have been many athletes and other personalities to support Osaka’s decision, but there have also been quite a few people that have attempted to attack and condemn her.
First and foremost, Naomi Osaka deserves support. She is speaking out about her mental health, which can be a difficult thing to do. She is doing her best to take care of herself and keep her depression and anxiety under control.
Mental health is nothing to play around with and it is certainly nothing to shame or condemn. People are finally learning that it is important to care for themselves mentally and when athletes take steps in order to do so, everyone involve needs to support them. Mental health is just as important as physical health.