Incorrectly reproduced - Boris Becker rows back in the Osaka case
The former Wimbledon champion Boris Becker shows in an interview with the British "The Times" no understanding for Naomi Osaka's illness. And is immediately confronted with criticism from a profound source. The answer from the three-time Wimbledon champion was not long in coming.
by Stefan Bergmann
last edit:
Jul 02, 2021, 09:36 am
Depression is a serious issue and, along with metabolic syndrome, is one of the most common diseases of our time. The mental illness pervades all classes, whether poor or rich, whether high or low level of education, whether man or woman. Depression, however, is invisible to the outside world and difficult to grasp for someone who has never experienced it. Education in society is therefore necessary and in recent years a lot has happened in terms of the acceptance of this social problem.
These developments seem to have bypassed Boris Becker a little. In an interview with the British daily “The Times”, the former Wimbledon champion let himself be carried away by donating words that deserve the title “lack of empathy”. When asked about the subject of Naomi Osaka, who had to cancel her participation in the French Open due to depression and withdraw her entry for Wimbledon, Becker said blankly: "You are 23, you are healthy, you are rich, your family is fine - where's the damned pressure? "
Criticism comes from Teresa Enke
The following statement also suggests that “Bobbele” did not really deal intensively with the subject of mental illness: “Is that really pressure that she has? Isn't it more pressure when you have no food on your plate, when you have to look after a family without a job? The tour is simply not possible without the media, you don't always like it - but you just have to come to terms with it and come to terms with it. "
Justified criticism of the statements of the Leimener-born was sent by return mail from Teresa Enke, CEO of the Robert Enke Foundation: “Dear Boris Becker, Are you serious? Naomi Osaka is not healthy! Depression is not a question of money, success, or luxury - depression is a disease that unfortunately can hit anyone. And it's a topic that goes beyond a careless statement. ”The 45-year-old is the widow of the former German national soccer goalkeeper Robert Enke, who committed suicide in 2009 due to mental health problems. With her foundation she supports the treatment and research of depression.
Becker responded to the criticism immediately. And made it clear on Instagram that he was very well aware of the problem. And that his interview was, once again, incorrectly quoted.