Naomi Osaka retires at Roland Garros
The woman who had so much to do in Paris in recent days has caused another shock. Four-time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka has retired from Roland Garros.
Over the past week, it has been almost constant about Osaka not wanting to speak to the international media in a press conference. The organization of the grand slam tournament threatened to exclude the Japanese if she stayed away again, but now she herself has decided to withdraw, to allow the peace to return.
Over the past week, it has been almost constant about Osaka not wanting to speak to the international media in a press conference. The organization of the grand slam tournament threatened to exclude the Japanese if she stayed away again, but now she herself has decided to withdraw, to allow the peace to return.
“This is a situation I could never have imagined when I posted this a few days ago. The best thing for the tournament, the other players and myself is that I’m withdrawing now so that everyone can focus on tennis again in Paris,” Osaka said.
The top player added that she suffers from depression: “I would never downplay mental health issues or use the term just like that. The truth is that in 2018 I myself have been fighting depression for a long time after the US Open. And I’ve had a really hard time with that.”
Naomi Osaka retires at Roland Garros
The 23-year-old Osaka said in the statement that she would “not submit to people who doubt me.” “I’ve seen plenty of videos of players collapsing in the press room after a defeat. I feel like the whole situation is causing someone who is already ‘down’ to be kicked even further down.”
Actually, Naomi Osaka had no choice in Paris anymore. If she had spoken to the press after every game, contrary to her intention, she should have explained more than she could handle. But if she had stood her ground, she would have been disqualified from Roland Garros under the rules. And so the best paid sportswoman in the world withdrew.
Roland Garros regrets osaka’s withdrawal. “First of all, we are sorry and sad for Osaka. We wish her the best and fastest possible recovery and we look forward to welcoming her back to our tournament next year,” said Gilles Moretton, the president of the French tennis federation, the tournament’s organizer in Paris.
“Like all grand slams, the WTA, the ATP and the ITF, we remain committed to the well-being of all athletes and to continue to improve all aspects for our participants, including in relation to the media.”
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