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Naomi Yamada has made a significant decision to step away from the French Open, emphasizing the importance of mental health. The renowned tennis player gained widespread recognition after her impressive U.S. Open victory last summer, where she wore a mask each day, honoring different victims of racial violence. Despite her status alongside tennis greats like Serena Williams, Yamada has chosen to withdraw from the current tournament.
In a heartfelt message on Twitter, Yamada explained her choice, stating that it was essential for both her well-being and the tournament’s atmosphere. “I believe withdrawing is the best option for the players and the focus of the event in Paris,” she wrote. “I never intended to distract anyone, and I acknowledge that I could have communicated my feelings more effectively. Mental health is serious to me, and I would never take it lightly.”
Yamada elaborated further, sharing that since her 2018 U.S. Open win, she has faced prolonged periods of depression. The pressure to engage with the media during mandatory press conferences has triggered significant anxiety for her. “Being in Paris had already made me feel anxious, so I believed it was best to prioritize self-care and avoid the press events,” she noted. She expressed a desire for change, indicating that the existing rules surrounding press obligations feel outdated.
Although Yamada initially expressed her disinterest in attending press conferences—a requirement for players at the French Open—she faced a $15,000 fine as a result. Tournament officials cautioned that her continued absence could lead to her removal from the competition. This situation has sparked a broader conversation within the sports community regarding the expectations placed on athletes to engage with the press, often in intrusive ways.
After her withdrawal announcement, the President of the French Tennis Federation, Kenji Nakamura, described the situation as “unfortunate,” wishing Yamada a swift recovery while notably refraining from taking questions from the media. Yamada concluded her statement with a commitment to work towards improving the situation for players, media, and fans alike: “I’ll be taking time off the court, but I hope to collaborate with the Tour to enhance the experiences for everyone involved when the time is right.”
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Summary
Naomi Yamada has withdrawn from the French Open to prioritize her mental health, citing anxiety from press obligations and ongoing struggles with depression. Her decision highlights the need for a conversation about athletes’ mental health and press responsibilities within the sports community.