“I’ve often felt that people have no regard for athletes’ mental health and this rings true whenever I see a press conference or partake in one.” Japanese star Naomi Osaka wrote in a statement on social media, back in 2021. She cited growing mental pressure due to frequent media interactions between tournaments. The four-time slam winner’s honest admission saw her taking a wild move. One that stunned the tennis world. The then No.2 boycotted mandatory press conference sessions during the French Open. But do you know how the tennis authorities, especially the four Grand Slams, treated her for this ‘rule breach’? Years later, that’s something several tennis bigwigs still can’t fathom. Osaka’s been a strong advocate for mental health in tennis – but four years ago, tennis didn’t help her.
In her statement, Osaka further mentioned, “We are often sat there and asked questions that we’ve been asked multiple times before or asked questions that bring doubt into our minds and I’m just not going to subject myself to people that doubt me.”
During an episode of his Served podcast, ex-American pro Andy Roddick discussed with journalist Jon Wertheim. Citing Osaka’s example, Roddick began, “she didn’t like talking to the media. And it was when she was going through something, that was a thing that she felt like was overwhelming.”
While revealing her desire to not engage in media sessions at the Roland Garros, Osaka had cleared her stance. “Me not doing press is nothing personal to the tournament and a couple journalists have interviewed me since I was young so I have a friendly relationship with most of them”
Talking about his own experience as a player, Roddick added, “I never once in my life was stressed out by a press conference. Not a single time, it doesn’t worry me. I also am not four for four in Grand Slam final as far as wins. So it’s like, if she’s not mentally tough, am I mentally tough? I couldn’t win another major final.” His point was simple. Osaka’s reason to boycott media interactions was justifiable in her case.
Tennis – Australian Open – Melbourne Park, Melbourne, Australia – January 21, 2022. Japan’s Naomi Osaka during a press conference after losing her third-round match against Amanda Anisimova of the U.S. REUTERS/Loren Elliott
Each person is wired differently to a specific experience, right? But it appears that the Grand Slam organizers didn’t understand her situation back then. Instead, they came up with a harsh reaction. Throwing light on the unfortunate period Osaka had to go through, Jon Wertheim revealed, “All four of the majors signed a letter essentially scolding her.” Remember the response from French Tennis Federation’s president Gilles Moretton?
“It’s a deep regret, for you journalists, for her (Osaka) personally and for tennis in general,” he said, as reported by The Guardian in May 2021. “I think this is a phenomenal mistake. It shows to what extent today there is strong governance in tennis.” Per the slam rules, if players skip mandatory conferences, they can be fined up to $20,000. That’s not all, further reprimand continued.
In a joint letter, all four Grand Slams warned her of consequences in case she continued to skip media sessions. “We have advised Naomi Osaka that should she continue to ignore her media obligations during the tournament, she would be exposing herself to possible further Code of Conduct infringement consequences.” reported the Roland Garros’ website in May 2021.
But this wasn’t the end of her woes that year when it comes to tackling her mental health. Months later, an incident left her in literal tears. How?
When Naomi Osaka broke down because of a ‘bully’
Back in August 2021, Naomi Osaka joined a Zoom call session ahead of her campaign in the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati. It was going to be her second event after the French Open after opting to skip mandatory press conference sessions.
During the Zoom call, Osaka had an interaction with Cincinnati Enquirer columnist Paul Daugherty. But it was one of the other unnamed reporters that affected Osaka. So much so, that she was seen wiping her tears with her sleeve. Seeing this, the unnamed reporter said, “Sorry,” to which Osaka replied, “No, you’re super good.” reported Los Angeles Times in August 2021.
She tried to speak further but wasn’t able to. She then briefly moved away, taking a break, from the session before joining back. “Sorry for walking out,” she said before answering the reporter’s question. After the interview, Osaka’s agent Stuart Duguid released a statement. He revealed, “The bully at the Cincinnati Enquirer is the epitome of why player/media relations are so fraught right now.”
Continuing further he added, “Everyone on that Zoom will agree that his tone was all wrong and his sole purpose was to intimidate. Really appalling behavior.”
While this off-court phase was painful to bear for Osaka, her on-court woes are also continuing to grow. After returning back to the court from her abdominal injury, since the AO, the Japanese star has failed to leave a lasting impression this season. While she did reach R16 in her last event, in Miami, Osaka recently witnessed a first round exit at the Madrid Open. On Tuesday, Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti ousted her with a score line of 6-4, 2-6, 6-4.
With her current form, it will be interesting to see how Osaka performs at the Roland Garros next month. Do you think she will be able to make a deep run on the Parisian clay court? Let us know in the comments below.
The post Naomi Osaka Once Scolded by Grand Slams for Prioritizing Mental Health, as Tennis Icons Reflect on the Fallout appeared first on EssentiallySports.