The psychodrama around Naomi Osaka’s refusal to confront the press at Roland Garros highlighted an issue that remains taboo: the mental health of top athletes.
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Lhe scene at the time was difficult to watch. Naomi Osaka, hat pulled down over her eyes, trying as best she could to hide her face and tears on Arthur Ashe court. Earlier, the 20-year-old Japanese managed the feat of beating Serena Williams in the US Open final. The American had openly complained about the referee’s decisions. Osaka received its award under heavy boos from the public. “I felt like I had to apologize,” she explained later.
Naomi Osaka doesn’t like crowds, or public speaking, or answering questions from journalists.
