Following Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open due to mental health priorities, the US Open has announced that it will make licensed mental health providers and quiet rooms available to all participating athletes.
Announced by the U.S. Tennis Association, the mental health resources aim to offer a more holistic approach to athlete health. “Our goal is to make mental health services as readily available to athletes as services for a sprained ankle — and with no stigma attached,” said Dr. Brian Hainline, a USTA first vice president.
The issue of mental health in professional sports has been a hot topic lately. In addition to Osaka’s withdrawal, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles also withdrew from some events in Tokyo citing mental health issues as a threat to her physical safety during competition.
