Grand Slam Tourney Leaders React After Naomi Osaka Withdraws From French Open

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – More support and more fallout surrounding Naomi Osaka’s stunning decision to withdraw from the French Open. She says she made the choice to protect her mental health. Tuesday, the leaders of the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments issued a statement promising to address players’ concerns about mental health. The statement says, in part: “Mental health is a very challenging issue, which deserves our utmost attention. We commend Naomi for sharing in her own words the pressures and anxieties she is feeling and we empathize with the unique pressures tennis players may face.”

Tennis icon Serena Williams was asked her thoughts on the 23-year-old’s withdrawal. She says she feels for Naomi. Williams says, “I wish I could give her a hug ’cause I know what it feels like. Like I said, I’ve been in those positions. We have different personalities, and people are different. Not everyone is the same. I’m thick, ya know, other people are thin.” And, “You know, you just have to let her handle it the way she wants to in the best way she thinks she can.”

Fans aren’t as understanding. One Twitter user summing up most of the criticism, saying, “If you can’t take questions as a player who makes millions then don’t take part. It’s unfair on the organizers and the media. It’s how the money is generated.”

Our question of the night: how should sports organizations handle players and the press going forward?

This episode’s panel features:
WCCB TV’s Morgan Fogarty
WCCB News @ Ten anchor Drew Bollea
WCCB News Edge producer Brandon Refour