“Don’t Think She Was Rude'”: Olympic Silver Medalist Urges Everyone to Understand Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka and her decision to boycott her press conference duties at the French Open was a hot topic. Athletes and fans from all around the world had mixed reactions to her decision. While some came out in staunch support of her, others reprimanded her for not carrying out her duty. 

Indian badminton sensation P. V. Sindhu was one of those who had an opinion about the whole fiasco at Roland Garros.

P. V. Sindhu speaks about Naomi Osaka

Before her round 2 clash at the French Open, World No.2 Naomi Osaka announced she was withdrawing from the Major. Osaka posted her statement on social media, stating that she wanted to step out of the limelight and enable tennis and the Major to take the center stage rather than the controversy surrounding her decision to boycott press conferences.

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During a recent interaction with The Print, Indian badminton star P. V. Sindhu talked about the incident and suggested it’s important to think about Osaka’s state of mind.

“I don’t think she (Naomi Osaka) was rude, but she was meant to tell them that you know I’m not in a right position to speak to them (the press).” 

Sindhu was then asked that if Osaka could have communicated her stand better, to which Sindhu replied that we need to “understand and give her that personal space”. 

P. V. Sindhu also mentioned the importance of meditation and how practicing it can help us get over in a state of a total blank. She also opined that it would be a good idea for the Japanese tennis star.

“I’m sure she would definitely know that….I think she would be doing it, I have no idea, but she’s a top athlete so she would know much better, so definitely it helps.”

Sindhu, in her interaction, gave an insight into how important mental health can be and how vulnerable athletes are to depression and other mental conditions. Her comments about respecting and trying to understand everyone’s decisions showcase how an athlete can certainly aid a fellow athlete in a difficult situation.

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