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    Naomi Osaka, Citing Mental Health, Says She Won't Do Press at 2021 French Open

    Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIMay 26, 2021

    Naomi Osaka of Japan returns the ball to Jessica Pegula of the United States during their match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome, Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Osaka lost against Pegula 7-6, 6-2. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)
    AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino

    Four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka announced Wednesday on social media that she will not do any press events at this year's French Open, citing her mental health. 

    NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ @naomiosaka

    ❤️ pic.twitter.com/EegFSKnoie

    Qualification for the French Open has already begun. The women's draw has not been revealed, but the tournament is scheduled to run through Sunday, June 13.

    Osaka also noted she hoped her ensuing fines would be donated to charities that support mental health.

    The immediate reaction to Osaka's announcement was generally positive:

    Britni Danielle @BritniDWrites

    Naomi Osaka is a real one for this. As a journalist...I definitely can respect it. <br><br>Pro tip to my fellow writers: Ask better questions, develop relationships, tell the truth. https://t.co/68UKqbBB4e

    Franklin Leonard @franklinleonard

    They can. They do. And they should if that's what's best for them. <br><br>She'll be fined. She'll pay the fines. <br><br>And she'll keep winning while you stay mad. pic.twitter.com/mp8FigASDJ

    Juanita Tolliver @JuanitaTolliver

    A life lesson in protecting yourself above all else courtesy @naomiosaka.<br><br>Bless. https://t.co/AGwq0Y57Dj

    roxane gay @rgay

    I am enjoying this “fine me, I don’t care” energy.

    Osaka, who is No. 2 in the WTA rankings, is looking for her first French Open title. She has won the U.S. Open twice and the Australian Open twice. The 23-year-old has also won two of the last three majors with the 2020 U.S. Open and 2021 Australian Open titles in tow.