On Monday, Naomi Osaka announced her withdrawal from the French Open, following a $15,000 fine and warning of further penalty from tournament organizers as a result of her decision to skip press conferences with media.

Osaka announced her decision on social media with a note shared with her followers.

“I'm gonna take some time away from the court now, but when the time is right I really want to work with the Tour to discuss ways we can make things better for the players, press and fans,” she wrote.


Osaka had cited the impact of media obligations upon her mental health as her reason to skip them, and acknowledged that fines would be coming as a result. However, the tournament responded by warning that she faced possible expulsion from the French Open as well as suspension from future Grand Slam tournaments.

On social media, other athletes including Coco Gauff, Steph Curry and more shared their reaction to Osaka’s decision, with most offering their support and calling for more support of athletes’ mental health.