“Incredibly brave”, “Major respect” – Steph Curry, Venus Williams and more react to Naomi Osaka’s French Open withdrawal

Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open citing mental health issues

World No.2 women’s tennis star Naomi Osaka pulled out of the ongoing French Open 2021 due to depression and the current ‘media-boycott’ row.

A few days prior to the tournament Osaka had announced that she would not be attending any press conferences at the Roland Garros. And she did so by skipping the first press conference following her first-round win over Patricia Maria Tig.

As a result, she was fined $15000, and also received flak from a few tennis professionals. Osaka was also warned of being banned from further major tournaments if she skipped press conferences.

In an unexpected turn of events, Osaka decided to withdraw from the French Open, issuing a long statement on social media. She mentioned in the statement that her withdrawal would shift the focus back to the tennis that “is going on”.

Osaka also claimed that depression wasn’t a new thing for her, since she had suffered “long bouts” of it since the US Open 2018.

Here is how the tennis world reacted to Osaka’s withdrawal on Twitter:

pic.twitter.com/LN2ANnoAYD

— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021

I am so sad about Naomi Osaka.I truly hope she will be ok. As athletes we are taught to take care of our body, and perhaps the mental & emotional aspect gets short shrift. This is about more than doing or not doing a press conference. Good luck Naomi- we are all pulling for you!

— Martina Navratilova (@Martina) May 31, 2021

It’s incredibly brave that Naomi Osaka has revealed her truth about her struggle with depression.

Right now, the important thing is that we give her the space and time she needs.

We wish her well.

— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) May 31, 2021

Mental Health is nothing to criticize. Nothing to joke about. Pls take your mental health seriously. Without my support system, I truly believe I would not be here today. Here for you @naomiosaka https://t.co/8UdJexQPVj

— Mardy Fish (@MardyFish) May 31, 2021

The challenge today is to convince people of the value of truth, honesty, compassion and a concern for others.

— victoria azarenka (@vika7) May 31, 2021

The following are tennis stars who reacted to her announcement on Instagram:

Basketball star Steph Curry reacts to Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal

A legion of celebrities across the globe voiced out their support, following Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open.

Golden State Warriors’ point guard Steph Curry showed his support for the Japanese star, along with a piece of advice, on Twitter.

He wrote:

“You shouldnt ever have to make a decison like this-but so damn impressive taking the high road when the powers that be dont protect their own. major respect @naomiosaka.”

You shouldnt ever have to make a decison like this-but so damn impressive taking the high road when the powers that be dont protect their own. major respect @naomiosaka https://t.co/OcRd95MqCn

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) May 31, 2021

Mental health and depression are not something to be taken lightly. Even the best of the best suffer from the pangs of depression. Hope Osaka makes a quick return!

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