Photo: AndrewHenkelman – Naomi Osaka at l’US Open in 2020.
When Naomi Osaka won the US Open in 2018, she pulled down her visor to hide her tears.
It was her maiden Grand Slam title, she had beaten the great Serena Williams to win it, and she had a bright future ahead.
Except that the victory had come in unusual and traumatic fashion, with boos and controversy surrounding Williams’ infamous outburst at the umpire.
And we now know that this title also marked the start of the “long bouts of depression” that have led to Osaka pulling out of the French Open in a move that has sent shockwaves through the sport and raised the prospect of some soul-searching for the authorities and media.
Roland Garros is now without one of the sport’s biggest stars, and despite Osaka’s desire to not “be a distraction” she and the issues she raises are firmly in the spotlight.
Did the authorities handle things well?
Osaka obtained a variety of help from fellow gamers and athletes over her resolution to boycott information conferences at Roland Garros.
And there was criticism of the game’s governing our bodies’ strongly-worded assertion on Sunday, which threatened her with expulsion from the French Open and future Grand Slams over what she stated was a call primarily based on wanting to guard her psychological well being.
American basketball participant Stephen Curry was essential, saying the “powers that be don’t protect their own”, whereas former British primary Laura Robson additionally questioned whether or not the matter may have been handled in another way.
“I’m sure a lot of people are disappointed with how the statement was handled yesterday from the Grand Slams and how strong it was,” Robson stated on BBC Radio 5 Live.
“Maybe if they had not let it escalate to this point then we wouldn’t be here.”
In a press release after Osaka’s withdrawal French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton stated main tennis our bodies had been dedicated to athletes’ wellbeing and enhancing their event expertise, together with their interplay with the media.
Osaka stated “the rules are quite outdated in parts” and she or he needs to debate with the Tour methods of creating issues higher.
