U.S. Open Will Have ‘Quiet Rooms’ For Tennis Players After Naomi Osaka & Other Athletes Spark Conversation On Mental Health

U.S. Open Will Have ‘Quiet Rooms’ For Tennis Players After Naomi Osaka & Other Athletes Spark Conversation On Mental Health

Mental Health is real and it can affect even the toughest athletes.

Due to the recent developments among some of the top tennis players in the world, the U.S. Open will be missing some star players this year. For those who will be a part of the tournament, the U.S. Open is offering new services to assist with the tension the major event can cause and have on players’ mental health.

The United States Tennis Association announced that licensed mental health providers will be available and “quiet rooms” will be at hand for this year’s U.S. Open players.

A statement from USTA Chief Executive Stacey Allaster reads:

“The issue of mental health awareness has been brought to the forefront over the course of the global pandemic, as many individuals, players included, have struggled with the stresses and emotions that have come as a result of COVID-19.”

She continued:

“We look forward to seeing how the initiatives implemented at this year’s tournament, and in the coming months, make an impact on player wellbeing, and will continue to look for ways to improve and adapt as we move forward.”

This news comes on the heels of women’s tennis star Naomi Osaka openly discussing the state of her mental health.  Naomi Osaka was public about her battle with depression and anxiety when she decided not to do press during the French Open in May.

She was later fined before she withdrew from the tournament completely.

Naomi took much-needed time off from tennis until July.  She returned to compete in the Tokyo Olympics.

The U.S. Open is set to start on August 30th.

What do you think about what the U.S. Open has planned for mental health?  Let us know in the comments.

[VIA]