Fellow tennis stars and athletes have rallied to support Naomi Osaka after the world No 2 withdrew from the French Open in a row about post-match media duties after her admission she had been suffering from depression and anxiety.
Osaka stunned the tennis world when she pulled out of the second Grand Slam of the year after being fined $15,000 by organisers and threatened with expulsion for refusing to show up at a news conference on Sunday.
The Japanese, 23, had made clear her intentions on social media to renege on media duties to protect her mental well-being.
The four-time Grand Slam champion returned to Twitter on Monday to announce her withdrawal.
"I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can go back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris," she wrote.
Osaka said she would speak to ATP Tour officials "when the time is right" about how to "make things better" for the players, media and fans.
The French Tennis Federation termed her withdrawal "unfortunate".
Her withdrawal triggered a wave of support from her peers and fellow athletes.
Serena Williams was asked for her reaction to Osaka's decision following her first-round win over Romanian Irina-Camelia Begu at Roland Garros.
"Honestly I just found out before I walked into the press conference, so that's the extent of it right now for me," Williams said.
I feel like I wish I could give her a hug because I know what it's like. Like I said, I've been in those positions
"I feel like I wish I could give her a hug because I know what it's like. Like I said, I've been in those positions."
The 23-time Grand Slam champion added: "You just have to let her handle it the way she wants to, in the best way she thinks she can, and that's the only thing I can say. I think she's doing the best that she can."
Sister Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam winner, posted a tweet message to Osaka: "So proud of you. Take care of yourself and see you back winning soon!"
Billie Jean King took to social media to stress the importance of mental health.
"It's incredibly brave that Naomi Osaka has revealed her truth about her struggle with depression," King wrote on Twitter.
"Right now, the important thing is that we give her the space and time she needs. We wish her well."
Golf's Michelle Wie, American football players Russell Wilson and Tyler Lockett as well as multiple Olympic sprint champion Usain Bolt offered Osaka their backing.
"You shouldn't ever have to make a decision like this – but so damn impressive taking the high road when the powers that be don't protect their own. Major respect," wrote NBA All-Star Stephen Curry.
There was some criticism of Roland Garros organisers for their handling of the matter.
French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton read a prepared statement on Monday offering Osaka their support but the irony of him not taking questions, given the context of the row, was not lost on some.
"So the FFT handled the Ms Osaka mental health concerns without empathy or sensitivity. Then the FFT President refuses to take questions at a presser. An own goal," wrote former Australian tennis official Richard Ings.
Osaka, 23, concluded her statement by saying she would be taking some time away from tennis, potentially ruling her out of Wimbledon at the end of this month as well as this summer's Tokyo Olympic Games already under threat by the coronavirus pandemic.
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
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