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Naomi Osaka drops out of French Open, stands up for mental health

Naomi Osaka drops out of French Open, stands up for mental health

FromThe Times: Essential news from the L.A. Times


Naomi Osaka drops out of French Open, stands up for mental health

FromThe Times: Essential news from the L.A. Times

ratings:
Length:
16 minutes
Released:
Jun 2, 2021
Format:
Podcast episode

Description

At just 23 years old, Naomi Osaka is already one of the best tennis players in the world. She was scheduled to play the French Open this month, which is one of the sport's biggest tournaments. But Osaka caused a stir when she announced before matches even began that she wouldn’t be at any news conferences. She cited the “huge waves of anxiety” she feels talking at them. French Open officials weren’t sympathetic and fined her $15,000. Then on Monday, Osaka stunned everyone. She announced she was withdrawing from the competition altogether. On today's show, we speak with L.A. Times sports columnist Helene Elliott about the importance of Osaka’s move. It's highlighted an issue long bubbling in the sports world: In a place where stress is a big part of the game, what's the best way to handle an athlete’s mental health?More reading:Why Naomi Osaka’s news conference boycott is a major tennis talking point Naomi Osaka withdraws from the French Open Naomi Osaka needs empathy and help, not condemnation, for showing strength
Released:
Jun 2, 2021
Format:
Podcast episode

Titles in the series (100)

“The Times” is a podcast from the Los Angeles Times hosted by columnist Gustavo Arellano along with reporters from our diverse newsroom. Every weekday, our podcast takes listeners beyond the headlines, with our West Coast outlook on the world. News, entertainment, the environment, immigration, politics, the criminal justice system, the social safety net, food and culture — “The Times” exists at the epicenter of it all. Through interviews and original stories, “The Times” is the audio guide you need to understand the day’s news, the world and how California shapes it. Listen everywhere podcasts are available.