Naomi Osaka, locked in a test of wills with the French Open about her media obligations, withdrew from the major championship Monday, citing mental health concerns.
Osaka had refused to meet with the media during the tournament. She said it was in an effort to avoid what she considered a stressful and potentially unhealthy situation. The French Open, like all tournaments, requires such sessions, citing the need for publicity to drive ticket sales, television ratings and sponsorships.
Osaka had begun earning $15,000 fines and was facing possible expulsion from the Grand Slam event.
Instead she stepped away entirely, first from the tournament and perhaps from the sport for awhile.