Grand Slams offers support to Naomi Osaka, vows to improve player experience at events
The Grand Slams will try to improve player experience at its events following Naomi Osaka pulling out of the French Open.
The committee issued a statement Tuesday saying it offers its "support and assistance" to Osaka as she takes time away from tennis to focus on her mental health.
Statement from the Grand Slam tournaments: pic.twitter.com/wwAg7c6Vw7
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) June 1, 2021
The Grand Slams — a group made up Jayne Hrdlicka, Gilles Moretton, Ian Hewitt and Mike McNulty — said it would "continue to improve the player experience at our tournaments." The group also wants to maintain "a fair playing field, regardless of ranking or status." When Osaka initially announced her media blackout, the Grand Slams group said the boycott gave Osaka an "unfair advantage." The group stuck with that reasoning Tuesday.
Osaka was fined $15,000 for not speaking to the media. The Grand Slams did not mention that fine in its statement Tuesday.
Naomi Osaka pulled out of French Open
A day after Osaka was fined, she pulled out of the French Open. Osaka revealed she's battled depression since winning the 2018 U.S. Open. She said she would take some time away from the court for now.
A number of athletes, including Russell Wilson, Stephen Curry and Billie Jean King, offered support for Osaka following her announcement.
Following Osaka withdrawing from the event, Iga Swiatek is listed at +175 to win the French Open, according to BetMGM.
More from Yahoo Sports: