Poor little rich girl
After refusing to take part in post-match news conferences, Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the French Open, citing mental health concerns. Other sports personalities have come out in support, but some have also reminded her, and us, that news conferences are part of the gig. Indeed, participation is written into the Grand Slam rulebook, which Osaka effectively signed up to. The media rights pay for the tournaments' pay days, which benefit all participants, not just those who're privileged with massive sponsorship deals.
Osaka trousered a cool $55.2 million in the last twelve months. Of that, about 10% was prize money, which in itself is more than most people will see in a lifetime doing a job that, more often than not, they have no passion for or, worse, hate. That can be a cause of depression, it certainly was for me. But most of us cannot pick-and-choose the bits that we want to do; we have to continue regardless. So, while mental health problems are a genuine concern—and I know from personal experience—Osaka's attitude comes across as nothing more than a poor little rich girl's pity party.
Osaka states that she's an introvert and anyone that has seen me at tournaments will notice that I'm often wearing headphones as that helps dull my social anxiety.
If that's the case, perhaps a career in the public spotlight wasn't the best choice. Except, of course, money.
If only I had the world's smallest violin, I could play the world's saddest tune for her.
That last statement is a barefaced lie. I can't play the violin.