Heavy snow and difficult travel expected again, heaviest snow in southern Minnesota

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Top-ranked tennis player Naomi Osaka’s decision to 

 after being fined for saying she would not appear at mandatory press conferences is bringing renewed attention to the mental health struggles of athletes. 

The 23-year-old champion shared publicly that she has experienced depression and anxiety since 2018 when she won her first of four consecutive Grand Slam singles titles at the U.S. Open. She shared that she feels “waves of anxiety” before press conferences. 

Osaka’s bold step prompted debates on social media and elsewhere about expectations placed on athletes, especially women and athletes of color. Her decision also raises questions about whether and when talking to the press should be seen as an essential part of an athlete’s job.  

Host Angela Davis talks to a journalist, a sports psychologist and a former collegiate tennis coach about pressures faced by athletes and how to better support their mental health. 

Health

Mental Health

Sports

Shows

MPR News with Angela Davis

Host

Author

Host Angela Davis talks to a journalist, a sports psychologist and a former collegiate tennis coach about Naomi Osaka’s decision to withdraw from the French Open.

MPR News with Angela Davis - Host Angela Davis talks to a journalist, a sports psychologist and a former collegiate tennis coach about Naomi Osaka’s decision to withdraw from the French Open.

What Naomi Osaka can teach us about athletes and mental health

Go Deeper.

Like this?