Naomi Osaka vs. The Establishment

Mental health can be lost, but it can't be bought.  Peace of mind can be stolen, but like pride, it can't be purchased.  When it comes to mental health or peace of mind, you either have IT or don't.  Naomi Osaka is fighting for IT.  

Yesterday, Naomi, the #2 ranked women's tennis player in the world and one of the game's most recognizable faces, withdrew from the French Open, citing her mental health.  Last week, she told French Open officials that she wouldn't be doing interviews during the tournament as a way to preserve her mental health.  Tournament officials took umbrage with Naomi's stance and threatened her with a $15,000 fine.  Naomi didn't blink.  French Open officials and representatives from the other three tennis major tournaments told Naomi that she might face expulsion from matches if this type of behavior continued.  Naomi didn't blink.  

At that moment, Naomi went from a multiracial tennis darling to an angry Black woman in the eyes of many.  Naomi didn't blink.  As I previously stated, when it comes to mental health or peace of mind, you either have IT or don't.  Naomi Osaka is fighting for IT.  

Yesterday, Naomi withdrew from the French Open, citing her recent battles with depression.  Tournament officials blinked. Just like that, Naomi was gone from their eyesight.  She left the tournament with her pride intact, unwilling to sacrifice her mental health for a major title.  Money can't buy happiness.  Now, we also understand that money can't buy you Naomi Osaka. 

Game. Set. Match.