Leading sports figures, including Serena Williams, supported tennis superstar Naomi Osaka after withdrawing from key events.

After Naomi Osaka, ranked second in the women’s world, withdrew from the French Open due to media responsibilities after the game, leading figures in tennis and sports gathered to support Naomi Osaka, saying that she had been suffering from depression and anxiety.

As one of the most well-known figures in this sport, Osaka shocked the tennis world. Exit the grand slam After being fined and expelled for refusing to attend the compulsory press conference on Sunday.

The four-time Grand Slam champion stated on social media that she intends to skip media responsibilities to protect her mental health, and returned to Twitter on Monday Announce withdrawal.

“I think the best thing for the game, the other players and my health right now is that I quit so that everyone can refocus on the ongoing tennis match in Paris,” she wrote.

pic.twitter.com/LN2ANnoAYD

-Naomi Osaka (@naomiosaka) May 31, 2021

Although her initial position received little support from other professionals, most of whom said that dealing with the media is part of the job, her withdrawal triggered a wave of support in the sports world.

“Proud of you,” multiple Grand Slam winners Venus Williams wrote on Twitter. “Take care of yourself and you will win back soon!”

As the focus shifted from Osaka’s responsibilities to her well-being, Williams’ sister Serena and young American players Coco Goff and Sloan Stephens also sent out messages of support.

Billie Jean King responded to other women’s tennis pioneer Martina Navratilova’s comments on the importance of mental health.

Kim wrote on social media: “Osaka Naomi revealed the truth about her struggle with depression. This is very brave.”

“Now, the important thing is that we give her the space and time she needs. We wish her all the best.”

Naomi Osaka told the truth about her struggle with depression, which is really brave.

Now, the important thing is that we give her the space and time she needs.

We wish her all the best.

— Billy Jane King (@BillieJeanKing) May 31, 2021

Athletes in other sports have also posted support messages on social media. Golf’s Michelle Wie, NFL players Russell Wilson and Tyler Lockett, and several Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt have all provided support.

“You shouldn’t make such a decision-but when power is not protecting yourself, it is really impressive to take the high-speed road. Very respectful,” wrote NBA All-Star Stephen Curry.

You shouldn’t make such a decision-but when those powers don’t protect their own power, it’s really impressive to take the high-speed road.Mainly respect @naomiosaka https://t.co/OcRd95MqCn

— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) May 31, 2021

The Roland Garros organizers received some criticism for their handling of the matter.

The president of the French Tennis Federation, Gilles Moretton, read a prepared statement on Monday to express his support to Osaka, but given the background of the quarrel, the irony that he did not answer the question was on some people. Did not disappear.

“So the FFT did not have empathy or sensitivity when dealing with Ms. Osaka’s mental health problems. Then the FFT chairman refused to take questions from reporters. An own goal,” former Australian tennis official Richard Inggs wrote.

According to sports business website Sportico, Osaka, Japan, has earned US$55.2 million in revenue in the past 12 months and is expected to be one of the biggest attractions for the Tokyo Olympics in July and August.

The 23-year-old girl said at the end of the statement that she will be away from tennis for a while, and the organizers of the already troubled event will very much hope that she will be back on the court long before the Olympics begin.