Sign up for our daily newsletter

Want latest news, reviews, analysis, deals, and events, and offers from our commercial partners? We’ve got you.

Thomas Bjorn has called on sports’ governing bodies to do more to help athletes struggling with their mental health in the wake of tennis star Naomi Osaka’s withdrawal from the French Open.

Four-time grand slam champion Osaka pulled out of the tournament amid a furore caused by her decision to skip mandatory press conferences.

The 23-year-old declined to participate in media sessions at Roland Garros, saying that they were negatively impacting her mental health. In return, she was fined more than £10,000 by tournament organisers and threatened with expulsion from the event.

• Watson hails Phil Mickelson for US PGA win

• Homa finally gives in to persistent fan

Osaka pre-empted that prospect by withdrawing instead, an act of what she called ‘self care’ after her struggles with depression following her 2018 US Open victory.

Bjorn, who documented some of his own mental health battles in his book ‘Mind Game’, took to Twitter to express sympathy with Osaka and called for more to be done to end the stigma and challenge misconceptions surrounding mental health amongst athletes.

“Talking to the media and participating in press conferences are definitely part of the job of a professional athlete,” wrote the 2018 Ryder Cup winning captain. “It’s what top players do in any sport to attract attention to the sport and support the need from fans and sponsors. It’s part of the game.

• DiMarco wants “undercover police” at tour events

“However, when I saw Naomi Osaka WD from Roland Garros, it made me think about a few things.

“When athletes are children, they just want to do their sport without any consideration of the bigger picture. It’s pure love and joy for the game they play. Often very innocent.

“In today’s world, talented children are often driven extremely hard by parents, sports institutions and even their country to become the best they can. This can be every testing for any child and there are many examples of total burnouts.”

• Thomas makes classy gesture to fellow pro

He added: “Mental awareness/health is something that still is frowned upon in the sporting world. [Some people think] Athletes in many sports have great financial upside and therefore should just do as they are told because of the privilege stowed upon them. I really struggle with this mindset.

“Naomi Osaka is a human being that has issues that she needs help and support with. Sporting governing bodies need to do more to help athletes with their mental health problems. Naomi Osaka is a great athlete and tennis is a better sport with her in it.”


author headshot

Michael McEwan is the Deputy Editor of bunkered and has been part of the team since 2004. In that time, he has interviewed almost every major figure within the sport, from Jack Nicklaus, to Rory McIlroy, to Donald Trump. The host of the multi award-winning bunkered Podcast and a member of Balfron Golfing Society, Michael is the author of three books and is the 2023 PPA Scotland 'Writer of the Year' and 'Columnist of the Year'. Dislikes white belts, yellow balls and iron headcovers. Likes being drawn out of the media ballot to play Augusta National.

Deputy Editor

More Reads

Image Turnberry green

The bunkered Golf Course Guide - Scotland

Now, with bunkered, you can discover the golf courses Scotland has to offer. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.

Find Courses

Latest podcast

The PLAYERS Championship