Naomi Osaka withdraws from French Open, cites mental health

It's actually specifically not written that clearly in the contract what the punishment would be for skipping it. Osaka was okay with just taking the fines for skipping it, but then Grand Slams made a join statement that they might default and suspend her for further tournament, which is a huge overeaction. They wanted to swing their schlong around to make an example out of her, which is the worst possible way to handle this.

Anyway she didn't even call their bluff and just withdrew.

 

Some dislike it more than others. Doubt that many have bouts of depression over it.

That's what she is trying to point out and resolve with the powers that be.

It seems that the current situation is a loss-loss for both parties. Why not provide a fair way for players to pay their way out of interviews. Perhaps they can promote the sport in some other ways too or pay fines. Prove the mental health problems with doctor's note first though. Easy peasy

 

Yeah no one is at fault . if she’s not well then she should withdraw.
At the same time if the rules state you need you have to talk or get fined then that’s the rule.
It’s not like the fine really hurt her financially.

If you are sick and get a speeding ticket, you still get the speeding ticket

 

Be well?

 

I think she was ok with paying the fines, but then they started threatening her with suspension and taking further action. In face of that, her decision to withdraw is understandable.

Rules are rules but rules are made to be broken and exceptions are made. They could have worked something out with her. If giving an interview gives her that much anxiety then why not have a conversation about it and figure out a solution that doesn't cause anxiety but still gets the post game media coverage. Why not first try to find a mutual amicable solution before making threats?

 

Lol @ Doctor's note

 

they're French

 

The interviews are part of the media/social influence of the sport.

That's how they sell merchandise and gather fans. So the interviews are important.

here's an example of a singer who has anxiety

 

So?

 

C'est la vie

 

d'accord

 

C’est vrai

 

But the French Open only pays her prize money (ie. if she wins), so at least there she is not breaking any contract. It wouldn't be any different if she got physically sick or injured and had to drop out. You would have a case if her contract with her sponsors (eg. Nike) required her to play in the French Open, but I don't think there is anything specific there that does require her.

 

If she has anxiety in front of others, they could just do a sort of Zoom meeting session where she's in her own room around people she's comfortable with and media is in a separate area where they can still ask her questions. I'm sure there are other methods to find compromise.

 

It's the criticism she can't stand. According to her sister, a big trigger for her was the questions regarding her record on clay courts. This is going to turn into a big deal. Expect athletes to opt out of media related requirements citing mental health. Lots of them need the attention of the cameras, they'll never opt out. You hope they don't abuse it by refusing to do interviews only after losses.

 

Et alors.

Naomi Osaka plays for Japan. What does that have to do with any of it?

 

Sounds like she needs a psychologist to be her personal cheerleader and to come up with methods to not get psyched out by negative criticism when confronted by it. Rehearse a few adlibbed responses that she can regurgitate in different ways to keep the illusion of fresh takes and just keep doing her best on the court.

 

Elle joue au tennis dans France

 

Yes. What does that have to do with any of it?