In late May, Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open. After having reported mental health impairments, she followed through on her decision not to take part in a post-match press conference. She was fined $15,000 and warned not to do this again, or else risk expulsion from the tournament.
Like everyone, Osaka is entitled to reasonable accommodation so that she is not disabled by her job demands. Clearly, she is capable of carrying out the essential duties of her occupation as a tennis player. Participation in press conferences, while important, would not in my estimation fall under the category of essential job duties. Let’s hope the sports world comes to understand this too. What do you think?
