How social media reacted to tennis star taking a break for mental health
Isabelle Ozkurt
On September 4, 2021 tennis star, Naomi Osaka, stated that she will take an indefinite break from tennis. The athlete has made it known to the media that she struggle with mental especially during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. ESPNW stated that the sport was no longer bringing her joy.
Osaka at the Olympics
Osaka faced criticism during the Tokyo Olympics because she was representing Japan and she did not receive a medal at her time at the games. She faced critics from Japan as well because she is a mixed race athlete.
Reporter Baye McNeil is quoted in a New York Times article stating, "Those who felt uncomfortable might have thought “If we had to swallow this Black Lives Matters thing and the representation of the country, the least you could do is win” the gold medal, Mr. McNeil said of Ms. Osaka. “So when she didn’t do that, now some people are unleashing their ugliness.”
Facing Criticism
After the announcement of Osaka's break from tennis many took to Twitter to share their opinions. While met with support Osaka also received backlash from influential persons of the media.
One tweet that sparked outrage from Osaka's fans was from broadcaster, Pierce Morgan. Morgan twitted that Osaka was a "spoiled brat" on September 4, the same day her break from tennis was announced.
Seeing the Support
After seeing criticism from Twitter supporters of Osaka came to her side and showed their support through social media. Journalist, Taylor Rooks, tweeted saying, "To say her being frustrated in this match is because of that just feels unfair & tacky. Don't hold her openness over her head" Many others from who are involved in the athletic world showed their support through various media outlets. High profile athlete, Tom Brady showed his support to not only Osaka but other young athletes through ESPN.
The Aftermath
After seeing what happens when a prominent athlete leaves the sport many are to question why? After seeing the events with Osaka debates were launched on whether or not sport organizations care about their athletes.
Amira Rose Davis, an assistant professor of history and women’s, gender and sexuality studies at Penn State and co-host of the sports podcast “Burn It All Down", commented on this topic for Democracy Now! Davis states, But I think it really is important to map this onto two other conversations. One is Black athletes who are continuing to insist on their humanity being recognized, who continue to say, “We’re not just here to entertain you,” and to push back on what is seen as entitlement or what people are owed of their labor. And athletes are saying, “My labor is — my athleticism is on the court. But you’re already privy to my weight, to my height, to my injury history, to my body, and then also to my mind with these probing questions.”
With seeing the story of how Osaka was treated by the media and the forces that pushed in into leaving the sport this leads to a period of reflection on how we treat our athletes and the pressure that we put on them. After these events hopefully it leads to change how the media treats athletes and hopefully these events will not be forgotten about. After these events hopefully there will be a focus on athletes and how to handle mental health.
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