Naomi Osaka withdraws from French Open amid media controversy

Tennis star Naomi Osaka revealed on social media that she has decided to withdraw from the French Open after receiving criticism for a self-imposed media blackout.

Last week, Osaka released a separate statement on social media explaining her decision not to take part in press conferences before or after her matches, citing her own mental health. While this should be enough to respect her wishes, Osaka’s choice (by no fault of her own) has led to drama that Osaka has since admitted is taking away from the tournament experience itself.

That is why, in part per Osaka, she has decided to pull out of the French Open.

Osaka also cited her own mental health as a reason not to participate in remainder of the tournament. She was fined $15,000 for refusing to attend press conference on Sunday.

French Open: Naomi Osaka’s wishes should be respected

“I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris,” Osaka said.

Osaka believed she was a distraction from the play of others. Fair or not, this has undeniably been the case thus far, as the media coverage of Osaka — and not her play on the clay — has overmatched any of her competitors. It is not fair to the Japanese tennis star or other women at Roland Garros.

Here is to hoping that with time the media adjusts to Osaka’s stance and respects her wishes and mental health more than their own coverage.