French Open 2021: ‘You are strong for standing up and speaking out’, Sports stars react to Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal-Sports News , Firstpost

“The truth is I have suffered bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that,” Naomi Osaka said on Twitter on Monday. AFP

Paris: Naomi Osaka stunned tennis on Monday when she withdrew from the French Open after refusing to hold press conferences during the tournament.

Here, AFP Sport looks at some of the reactions to the announcement, in which Osaka said she has suffered from “bouts of depression” for nearly three years:

“The truth is I have suffered bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that,” Osaka says she has struggled since her maiden Grand Slam win.

pic.twitter.com/LN2ANnoAYD

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

“In Paris, I was already feeling vulnerable and anxious so I thought it was better to exercise self-care and skip the press conferences,” the world number two explained why she wanted to avoid the usual media obligations. “The only thing I feel is that I feel for Naomi. I feel like I wish I could give her a hug because I know what it’s like,” said former world number one Serena Williams.

“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!” 18-time Grand Slam singles winner Martina Navratilova responds to the news on Twitter.

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

“We are sorry and sad for Naomi Osaka that she has withdrawn from the tournament.”

—French tennis federation president Gilles Moretton.

“Stay strong. I admire your vulnerability,” teenage American player Coco Gauff.

stay strong ❤️ I admire your vulnerability

— Coco Gauff (@CocoGauff) May 31, 2021

“I respect her decision. I respect what she does. I can’t really comment on that. I feel like everyone’s dealing with their own stuff,” American fourth seed Sofia Kenin. “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,” NBA star Stephen Curry on Twitter.

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

“The challenge today is to convince people of the value of truth, honesty, compassion and a concern for others,” two-time Grand Slam champion Victoria Azarenka.

“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,” former top-10 ATP player Mardy Fish.

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

“Everyone talks about mental health after someone commits suicide but ridicules everyone who tries to protect their mental health. You are strong for standing up and speaking out and even giving up the game you love to protect your mental health. I salute you young queen,” West Indies cricket international Carlos Brathwaite.

Everyone talks about mental health after someone commits suicide but ridicules everyone who tries to protect their mental health. You are strong for standing up and speaking out and even giving up the game you love to protect your mental health. I salute you young queen ?? https://t.co/Anhz8DWtla — Carlos Brathwaite (@TridentSportsX) May 31, 2021

“Just a question for the tennis authorities — is it better for your sport to have Naomi Osaka playing and not speaking to the media or not playing at all?” Stan Van Gundy, head coach of NBA team the New Orleans Pelicans.