Naomi Osaka’s decision to withdraw from the French Open, after revealing her battle with depression and anxiety, has thrown the tournament into turmoil and cast a harsh light on the mental health of the sport’s superstars.
The 23-year-old world number two, and four-time major winner, said she will now take a break from the sport, putting her participation at Wimbledon and even her home Olympics at risk.
Osaka was fined $15,000 and threatened with disqualification from Roland Garros after she refused to honour mandatory media commitments.
She claims they are detrimental to her mental health and likened the traditional post-match news conference to “kicking people when they’re down”.
Barty survives as French Open reels from Osaka shockwave
Issued on:
01/06/2021 - 16:47 Power-packed: Australia s Ashleigh Barty returns the ball to Bernarda Pera Christophe ARCHAMBAULT AFP 3 min
Paris (AFP)
World number one Ashleigh Barty survived a French Open scare on Tuesday as the fallout from Naomi Osaka s withdrawal and revelations over depression and anxiety sent shockwaves through Roland Garros.
Top seed Barty marked her return to Paris for the first time since her 2019 title triumph by beating American left-hander Bernarda Pera 6-4, 3-6, 6-2.
Barty, 25, skipped the defence of her title in 2020 due to the pandemic but this year has won trophies at the Yarra Valley Classic, Miami and on clay in Stuttgart in the run-up to Roland Garros.