Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the French Open in response to the bitter fallout from her decision to boycott media duties at the tournament.
In a move that has left the tennis world stunned, the world No 2 explained in a statement released on social media that she has “suffered long bouts of depression” since winning the first of her four grand slam titles at the US Open in 2018. Osaka said she experienced “huge waves of anxiety” before speaking to the press and would now take some time away from the game.
The announcement follows an eventful 24 hours for the US and Australian Open champion, who won her opening round match against Patricia Maria Tig on Sunday before declining to face the media. That decision, which followed Osaka’s announcement last week that she would not fulfil her press obligations in Paris order to protect her mental health, triggered a $15,000 (£10,584) fine and a warning from the tennis establishment that she risked disqualification and a suspension from future majors.
The player has now explained the reasons behind her stance.
“This isn’t a situation I ever imagined or intended when I posted a few days ago,” wrote Osaka. “I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my wellbeing is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris.
“I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer. More importantly, I would never trivialise mental health or use the term lightly.
“The truth is I have suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that.
“Anyone that knows me knows I am introverted and anyone that has seen me at tournaments will notice that I’m often wearing headphones as that helps dull my social anxiety.
“Though the tennis press has always been kind to me (and I want to apologise to all the cool journalists who I may have hurt), I am not a natural public speaker and get huge waves of anxiety before I speak to the world’s media.
“I get really nervous and find it stressful to always try to engage and give you the best answers I can.
“So here in Paris I was already feeling vulnerable and anxious, so I thought it was better to exercise self-care and skip the press conferences. I announced it pre-emptively because I do feel like the rules are quite outdated in parts and I wanted to highlight that.
“I wrote privately to the tournament apologising and saying that I would be more than happy to speak with them after the tournament as the Slams are intense.
“I’m going to take some time away from the court now, but when the time is right I really want to work with the Tour to discuss ways we can make things better for the players, press and fans.”
The statement sparked a wave of support from current and former players. “I feel for Naomi,” said Serena Williams following her first-round victory over Irina-Camelia Begu. “I feel like I wish I could give her a hug because I know what it’s like.”
Billie Jean King said Osaka was “incredibly brave” to reveal her “struggle with depression”, while Martina Navratilova wrote on Twitter: “I truly hope she will be OK. As athletes we are taught to take care of our body, and perhaps the mental and emotional aspect gets short shrift.”
Gilles Moretton, the president of the French Tennis Federation, said in a statement: “The outcome of Naomi withdrawing from Roland Garros is unfortunate. We wish her the best and the quickest possible recovery, and we look forward to having Naomi in our tournament next year.
“As all the grand slams, the WTA, the ATP, and the ITF, we remain very committed to all athletes’ well-being, and to continually improving every aspect of players’ experience in our tournament – including with the media, like we have always strived to do.”