"She needs professionals to help her figure it out" - Chris Evert on Naomi Osaka's mental health issues

Former world No.1 Chris Evert believes Naomi Osaka needs to take the time to find a safe space and seek professional help, if she's to overcome her recent struggles with depression and anxiety.

The World No.2 withdrew from the French Open after being fined by the tournament organizers for choosing to skip mandatory post-match press conferences, citing her mental health issues as reason for her decision.

Additionally, Osaka withdrew from the bett1 Open, a grass-court tournament that allows players to warm up for Wimbledon. Therefore, her decision to not compete at the event with Wimbledon less than 2 weeks away has cast her participation at the biggest Grand Slam of the year in doubt.

"I have no idea, I don't know, I'm not in her head," Evert, an analyst for Eurosport, told Reuters when asked whether Osaka should play at the All-England Club. "You have to walk in someone's shoes. I just hope she takes the time that she needs to get away to be in a safe place, a safe space, to have good people around her.

"She needs professionals to help her figure it out, the dilemma that she's in."

An 18-time Grand Slam champion, Evert won her maiden Major aged 19 at the French Open in 1974. Conversely, Osaka won her first Grand Slam aged 20 at the US Open, and Evert conceded that the sudden rise to stardom could be overwhelming.

"The deeper problem is that when you are young and when you are shy and when you are a private person and when you are vulnerable, then all of a sudden you are the most famous person in sport, I think that's the problem," Evert said.

The retired American did offer some sympathy for Osaka, stating that the questioning by journalists could affect a player's mental health and they needed to give young athletes room to grow. However, she also stated that attending press-conferences was a player's responsibility, as the press have also played a role in helping tennis players establish their brand.

The WTA has said it will undertake a review of post-match media requirements while Wimbledon organizers say they are working together to create meaningful improvements.