A leading mental wellness software company has lent their backing to Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open by saying they will financially support any other player who doesn’t want to conduct their media commitments due to their mental health.
Calm is known for their sleep, meditation and relaxation App which is used worldwide in approximately 190 countries, according to their company profile. In a statement on Twitter the American business says they have donated $15,000 to Laureus Sport in France for their work in sport and mental health. They praised the organisation for doing ‘incredible work in the mental health space to transform the lives of young people through the power of sport.’
In a follow-up tweet Calm says the conversation surrounding Osaka and her mental health is ‘bigger than any individual player.’ In order to support those at the French Open, the company says they will pay the fine for any player who skips a press conference due to their mental health, as well as match the fine with another $15,000 donation to Laureus.
Earlier this week Osaka revealed that she has been battling with depression and social anxiety since 2018 in a statement which confirmed her decision to pull out of the French Open. Her announcement came after she was previously criticised for not wanting to speak with the media. She was fined $15,000 for not attending a press conference after her first round match and warned she faced being defaulted from the tournament.
The WTA has recently stressed their commitment to protecting a player’s mental health. At the same time the governing body stated that it is also important that a player fulfils their media duties in order to help promote and grow the sport. Press conferences at the French Open are conducted with a moderator and player’s always have the option of not having to answer any question that makes them feel uncomfortable.
“Mental health is of the utmost importance to the WTA and, for that matter, every individual person. We have a team of professionals and a support system in place that look after our athletes’ mental and emotional health and well-being,” a statement reads.
“The WTA welcomes a dialogue with Naomi (and all players) to discuss possible approaches that can help support an athlete as they manage any concerns related to mental health, while also allowing us to deliver upon our responsibilities to the fans and public.
“Professional athletes have a responsibility to their sport and their fans to speak to the media surrounding their competition, allowing them the opportunity to share their perspective and tell their story.”
Osaka has offered to speak with the Grand Slams about mental health issues when the French Open ends. She is currently taking a break from the sport and it is unclear as to when she will return to competitive tennis.
