USTA to launch new mental health initiative

Wednesday, 25 August 2021 at 21:00

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The United States Tennis Association will launch a new mental health initiative at the 2021 US Open.

Mental health in tennis became a major topic once Naomi Osaka brought light to the issue at the 2021 French Open. Osaka withdrew from the event not to distract from it as she battles mental health struggles related to media obligations. Since then Osaka spoke a few times on the things and received widespread support from fellow athletes as well as other notable figures.

Many other athletes have come out speaking about the issue as well including Nick Kyrgios who described his mental health struggles earlier in his career as well as Coco Gauff who explained she wanted to raise awareness of the matter as well.

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For 2021, the US Open's already comprehensive medical care system will evolve to include a number of new initiatives aimed at providing best-in-class mental health support to players. The USTA's Mental Health Initiative will ensure that a holistic approach is taken with all aspects of player health, including mental health.

USTA CEO released a statement saying:

"The USTA and US Open are always looking for ways to work collaboratively with the other Grand Slam events, ATP, WTA and ITF to provide the greatest level of support for our competitors. We recognize that ensuring the mental health of the players is an area that needed to be addressed, and we are taking formative steps to give athletes the necessary resources to compete at the highest level.”

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Mental health is health. The USTA's new Mental Health Initiative will ensure that a holistic approach is taken with all aspects of player health, including mental health. #BeOpen

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