The treatment of Naomi Osaka sends a terrible message to all those struggling with their mental health

The world of sport is in a state of shock over Naomi Osaka’s decision not to speak to the media during the French Open – citing bouts of depression and anxiety – and subsequent withdrawal from the tournament.

The tennis ace was fined $15,000 (£10,580) for skipping her media obligations following her first round win, despite the world number two stating in advance that she would not participate in media obligations due to mental health concerns. Appallingly, Osaka was also warned by French Open officials about the consequences of continuing to skip media sessions.

Imagine, a star athlete of Osaka’s stature whose accomplishments at such a young age are laudable, being bullied by tennis officials more worried about contract terms and their profit? They show scant regard for her wellbeing. And what message does this send to regular folk who are also battling depression, perhaps more so in these stressful times?

Sports bodies have to be more aware of the pressures placed on young players and athletes, many of whom are pushed into becoming high achievers. It’s time to act and to ease the pressure of expectations, which are systematically and brutally thrust on the young, right from their formative childhood years.

Atul M Karnik

New York

Well done, Naomi Osaka, for saving us from cringeworthy interviews from inarticulate sports competitors. Is anyone, apart from their relatives, remotely interested? Watch their sporting efforts and then switch to something more interesting.

Michael Pate

Preston

Naomi Osaka has given us a chance to think about the fact that post-event interviews of sports people are the least interesting part of any event. How about curtailing them? While considering this, how about thinking about the lengthy pre-event coverage by the television companies, which is the second least interesting part of sports broadcasting?

Good luck and good health to Miss Osaka.

Tony Baker

Thirsk

The Supreme Court of India has wisely asked the central government how villagers will apply and register for vaccination. Vaccination currently requires registration on an app. This requires a smartphone or a computer. Villagers are incredibly poor; many of them live below the poverty line of two US dollars per day. They do not own smartphones or computers. Literacy is low in the villages, with about 50 per cent of women and 25 per cent of men being illiterate. They do not know how to use digital apps. Nor is wifi connectivity strong. They will not be able to register for vaccination.

To vaccinate the villagers, vaccination camps will have to be established, serving clusters of hamlets. The electoral lists should be used to monitor and maintain records of these vaccinations. Information from these rolls can later be transferred to the app, if required. The vaccination of villagers is important; registering on an app is not. We must get our priorities right.

Rajendra Aneja

Mumbai

Boris Johnson’s success in having his previous marriages declared void by the Catholic Church puts me in mind of another, famously overweight ruler who failed in his attempt to do the same. Lucky for the previous wives that beheading is no longer an option for a ruthless monarch.

Nick Donnelly

Dorset