The Calm App is showing its support for tennis star Naomi Osaka by paying the fines of athletes who opt out of 2021 Grand Slam media appearances due to mental health reasons.
Calm, the company responsible for the successful meditation and mindfulness app, announced that they would cover the fines for any player who declines media appearances for mental health reasons during the 2021 tournament. The company also stated that they would match the penalty with a $15,000 donation to Laureus, a French youth sports charity.
Last month, Osaka announced that she would not be doing press to protect her mental health. She stated that her decision was not personal towards the tournament or journalists. Professional athletes are usually required to do post-match press conferences or risk facing hefty fines.
However, it did not take people long to begin criticizing her. English broadcaster Piers Morgan has heavily slammed Osaka for her decision.
Osaka attributed her decision to her struggle with depression since the U.S. Open in 2018. The 23-year-old says she felt “both vulnerable and anxious while in Paris for the French Open,” leading her to pull out of the games altogether.
“I’m gonna take some time away from the court now, but when the time is right, I really want to work with the Tour to discuss ways we can make things better for the players, press, and fans,” Osaka stated.
The Calm App is the latest company to rally around Osaka. Shortly after her announcement to exit the French Open, Nike expressed their support for her.
