Lewis Hamilton has expressed his support for Naomi Osaka. The 23-year-old tennis star gave up her participation in the Roland Garros tennis tournament after she refused to talk to the press, something the organization was not happy about.
Osaka said she has been suffering from depression for years, and that she didn't want to talk to the press because she gets anxiety attacks. However, the press talks are mandatory, and after refusing, the organization threatened her with disqualification. She later withdrew herself from the Grand Slam tournament.
Hamilton cheers 'brave' Osaka after quitting Roland Garros
Hamilton, meanwhile, has backed the tennis star. "When you're young and suddenly in the spotlight it weighs heavily on you," the seven-time world champion said in conversation with Reuters. "Most of us are not prepared for that."
He continued: "I think she is incredibly brave and I applaud her courage because those in power now have to think about how they are going to respond. Punishing someone who talks about her mental health is not right. They certainly could have handled that better," said the Mercedes driver.