Naomi Watanabe Advocates for Mental Health by Skipping Press Duties at the French Open

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In a bold move that underscores her commitment to mental health awareness, 23-year-old tennis sensation Naomi Watanabe has announced she will not participate in post-match press conferences during the French Open. This decision follows her previous activism, such as wearing masks with the names of victims of police violence during the 2020 U.S. Open.

Athletes are typically required to engage with the media after matches, often facing fines if they choose not to comply. However, Watanabe has openly expressed her concerns about the negative psychological impact these press interactions can have on players. “I’ve often felt that people have no regard for athletes’ mental health,” she stated in a recent Instagram post. “We’re often asked repetitive questions or ones that provoke self-doubt, and I refuse to expose myself to such negativity.”

Referencing instances where athletes have visibly struggled during press conferences, Watanabe remarked, “It’s like kicking someone when they’re already down; I can’t comprehend the logic behind that.” Despite her strong professional relationships with many journalists, she emphasized that her decision is rooted in her own mental well-being.

Watanabe criticized the organizations demanding press engagements while neglecting the mental health of the athletes at the heart of their operations. She shared a video of a young player, Venus Robinson, being pressured in an interview, highlighting the damaging effects of such interrogation. Robinson’s father had to intervene, urging the interviewer to treat her with respect.

In response to Watanabe’s stand, Robinson showed her support with enthusiastic emojis, encouraging her to prioritize her life. Watanabe concluded her message with a pledge to donate any fines incurred from skipping press conferences to mental health charities, reinforcing her commitment to the cause.

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In summary, Naomi Watanabe’s decision to forgo press duties at the French Open is a powerful statement about the importance of mental health in sports. By prioritizing her well-being and advocating for better treatment of athletes, she encourages others to reflect on the pressures faced by sports professionals.