Mental Health: Japanese Fans, Public Figures Show Naomi Osaka Sympathy Following French Open Withdrawal

By Sylvia LANO On Jun 1, 2021

Japanese fans and public figures have rallied in support of tennis star Naomi Osaka on Tuesday, offering sympathy after she withdrew from French Open competition and opened up about her battles with depression.

The four-time Grand Slam winner’s career is followed closely in Japan and the controversy in Paris, which followed her refusal to attend press conferences, led news bulletins on Tuesday.

Tennis officials the. fined the star player $15,000 after she said she would not do media interviews during the tournament, saying she was prioritizing her mental health.

Reactions all over the world and particularly in Japan was largely sympathetic, with many urging Osaka to “take a good, long break”.

Osaka revealed that she has “suffered long bouts of depression” after pulling out of the French Open on Monday, and will “take some time away from the court”.

Her withdrawal follows the fall-out from her decision to boycott press conferences at the tournament, which she said were like “kicking people when they are down”.

Osaka is expected to represent Japan at July-August Tokyo Olympics, and will be one of the host country’s highest-profile athletes at the Games if she takes part.

However, Japanese fans urged her to take care of herself first and foremost.

“I will be happy as a fan if she can restore her energy after this and make a comeback,” a 45-year-old who gave his name as Hoshino told AFP in Tokyo.

Others welcomed Osaka’s openness about her mental health, a subject rarely discussed by public figures in Japan.

Former tennis player, Ai Sugiyama told a morning show she hoped Osaka’s actions could “make a splash and create an opportunity to talk about athlete’s mental health”, Sports Hochi reports

“There’s a big difference between people’s personalities, and I think we need to consider things on a case-by-case basis,” said Sugiyama, who reached a career-high number eight world ranking.

He stated;

I think the system where you absolutely have to turn up and you’re fined if you don’t is a little outdated.

Tokyo passer-by Ishikawa Nobuyuki, 74, told AFP Osaka’s withdrawal was “unavoidable”, adding that “media also has some responsibility” for her wellbeing.

He stated;

She has the obligation to do the interviews, regardless of whether she wins or loses. Ignoring that makes her slightly selfish. But then again, she has an illness.

Some Twitter users questioned whether Osaka was feeling the strain of competing for titles and speaking out against racial injustice.

“Naomi Osaka is fighting — against herself, against pressure, against fixed ideas, against discrimination,” tweeted TV presenter Ruriko Kojima.

The Presenter added;

All these things surely cause her anguish. I just can’t imagine the pressure she carries on her shoulders. It’s such a different perspective. I hope she gets some time where she can laugh and relax.

Via AFP.