‘Mental health is not a joke’ - Hamilton defends tennis star Osaka
In a social media post on Monday, Osaka announced her withdrawal from the competition, saying she had “suffered long bouts of depression” since winning her maiden Grand Slam title at the 2018 US Open.
Last week the 23-year-old said she would not speak to the media at Roland Garros, explaining that she wanted to protect her mental health.
Osaka received a $15,000 (£10,570) fine after she failed to take part in the post-match press conference following her first-round win against Romania’s Patricia Maria Tig.
The four Grand Slam organisers also issued a joint statement warning Osaka that she faces expulsion from the French Open and future tournaments if she continues to refuse to speak to the media.
Osaka responded by withdrawing from the competition over the controversy, adding that she would “take some time away from the court”.
Athletes from across the world of sport have offered their support to the four-time Grand Slam singles champion, including reigning F1 champion Hamilton.
"We are only human beings," Hamilton wrote on his Instagram story.
"Mental health is not a joke, this is real and serious. This takes a lot of courage to do. Let's all make sure Naomi knows she's not alone.
"Today is a good day to check and ask your friends and loved ones how they are doing and let them know they are not alone.
"A simple text can go a long way.”
Mental health is not a joke, this is real and serious. This takes a lot of courage to do. Let's all make sure Naomi knows she's not alone. Today is a good day to check and ask your friends and loved ones how they are doing and let them know they are not alone. https://t.co/2ytC6k1hHd
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) June 1, 2021
Hamilton threatened to limit future media engagements and walked out of a Mercedes press conference after qualifying at the 2016 Japanese Grand Prix.
It followed what Hamilton described as “disrespectful” coverage of his behaviour in an earlier FIA press conference when the Briton had been taking pictures and uploading them to his Snapchat account.
At the 2019 Monaco Grand Prix, Hamilton was excused from the pre-event FIA press conference following the death of Niki Lauda earlier in the week.
