“Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open on Monday and wrote on Twitter that she would be taking a break from competition… The stunning move came a day after Osaka, a 23-year-old who was born in Japan and moved with her family to the U.S. at age 3, was fined $15,000 for skipping the postmatch news conference after her first-round victory at the French Open. She also was threatened by all four Grand Slam tournaments with possible additional punishment, including disqualification or suspension, if she continued with her intention — which Osaka revealed last week on Twitter — to not ‘do any press during Roland Garros.’” (AP News)

“The leaders of the four Grand Slam tournaments reacted Tuesday to tennis star Naomi Osaka’s stunning withdrawal from the French Open by promising to address players’ concerns about mental health.” (AP News)

Many on both sides defend Osaka and call for greater awareness and sensitivity regarding athletes’ mental health:

“Had Osaka declined to speak to the press because of a physical injury — a sprain, stress fracture or even a migraine headache — we doubt she would have been fined or threatened with expulsion; needs time to recover, we might say. But because people cannot outwardly see a mental health problem, many tend to dismiss it…

“Many athletes have admitted struggling with mental health challenges. Swimmer Michael Phelps has spoken about suicidal thoughts and depression. Kevin Love of the NBA has acknowledged having panic attacks during games. The [New York] Times said 35% of athletes deal with any of a variety of such problems, including eating disorders, burnout and anxiety… It’s time now for sports and all other aspects of society to respond by developing a greater awareness of mental challenges and discussing how to erase their associated stigmas.” (Editorial Board, Deseret News)