This is really nice: In an essay for Time magazine (opens in new tab), Naomi Osaka revealed that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, was one of those who extended a helping hand after she withdrew from the French Open to protect her mental health (new tab opens in new tab). The tennis icon was unfairly criticized and fined $15,000 after she said she would not attend a press conference at the tournament to preserve her mental health. She later withdrew altogether, explaining that she had experienced "long bouts of depression" since 2018 and found that press conferences cause "a big wave of anxiety."

Osaka named Princess Meghan as one of the public figures who "supported, encouraged, and offered kind words" following her French Open abstention. She also said that Michelle Obama, Michael Phelps, Stephen Curry, and Novak Djokovic also reached out to her.

Osaka revealed that she felt "a lot of pressure" to disclose her depression and anxiety, and asked the media for "some privacy and empathy the next time we meet." She expressed hope for "measures to protect athletes, especially vulnerable athletes. Each of us, as human beings, is going through something on some level."

She further suggested that athletes be given "a few 'sick days' a year, when they are excused from appointments with the press without having to disclose their personal reasons." We believe this will bring sports more in line with the rest of society"

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"Believe it or not, I am an introvert by nature and do not like being in the spotlight. But it often comes with a great deal of anxiety." I don't feel comfortable being the spokesperson or face of mental health for athletes.

"I hope people empathize and understand that what's not O.K. is O.K. and talking about it is O.K. I've been there. There are people who can help, and there is usually light at the end of any tunnel," she concluded. Michael Phelps said that my speaking could have saved his life. Michael Phelps said I could have saved lives by speaking.