World number two tennis star Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the French Open after officials fined her US$15 000 for skipping a media interview on Sunday following her first-round match win.
She had earlier made it clear she would not partake in any interviews citing mental health challenges.
Organisers of the Roland Garros tournament threatened the Japanese star with expulsion if she persisted with her stance.
On Monday the tennis star opened up about her struggles with depression before she withdrew from the tournament.
The move has divided opinion among tennis players.
Tennis veteran Serena Williams said: “I feel for Naomi, and I wish I could give her a hug because I’ve been in those situations. You have to let her handle it the way she wants to in the best way she can”.
