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Naomi Osaka Just Wants To Play Tennis — Or Maybe Not
On Monday, Naomi Osaka, facing a fine of $15,000 for refusing to meet the press after winning her first round match at the French Open, withdrew from the event, citing anxiety and mental issues (depression) that she has faced since first coming onto the scene in 2018.
She is 23. She is Haitian-Japanese and identifies as black. She represents Japan, even though she has lived most of her life in the United States. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) refused her membership request when she was 16. She has won four Grand Slams (US Open and Australian Open twice) and is currently ranked number 2 in the WTA rankings.
Professional tennis isn’t easy. You’re gone 36–45 weeks a year, if you’re in the top 50, you’re required to play in certain events outside of the Grand Slam (French, US and Australian, Wimbledon), on the circuit. Plus, flying all over the world, changing flights, training and the constant demands of sponsors, friends, family, fans and the media make it hard to try and keep your wits about you.
If you an elite athlete, it’s even more demanding. Your whole life is a fishbowl. In the modern era, (post 1968) tennis, with golf a distant second, has become the most polarizing in terms of personalities. You might throw in Figure Skating and Gymnastics, but those we only pay attention to when the Olympics happen.
