Naomi Osaka, ranked No. 2 in the Women’s Tennis Association, has made the courageous decision to withdraw from the 2021 French Open. Her battle with depression and anxiety has made attending press conferences, a significant part of her job, unbearable. Osaka described doing post-game interviews as “kicking a person while they’re down,” forcing her to drop out of a significant tournament due to mistreatment. As journalists, we must recognize when our work threatens the well-being of athletes.
The fact that Osaka contemplated withdrawing in order to protect herself is ridiculous. Osaka should not have to explain her situation if it means revealing personal information regarding her mental health. Last week, she attempted to open up about her refusal to do press conferences on behalf of her mental health. The French Open, in turn, fined and threatened her with expulsion from the tournament.
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