Martina Navratilova has spoken about Naomi Osaka and her latest situation in tennis.

Martina Navratilova has some thoughts on the situation. “I think Naomi is handling it about as well as she can,” Navratilova said. “It’s not easy, especially when you’re trying to focus on your tennis and get ready for the next tournament.”

Navratilova also spoke about how the media has been treating Osaka. “The media has been tough on her, I think, because they want her to be this great story,” she said. “And she is a great story. But they’re almost living vicariously through her, and they’re putting a lot of pressure on her.”

Navratilova added that she thinks Osaka is “a really good kid” and that she “feels for her. I think it’s great that she’s speaking up for herself and for other people,” Navratilova said. “But I just hope she can get through this tough period and come out the other side stronger.”

While some criticized Osaka for her actions, Navratilova came to her defense. “I think she did the right thing,” Navratilova said of Osaka. “I know it’s not easy, but better to default than to cheat yourself, your sport, and the fans.”

Navratilova also praised Osaka for being open about her mental health struggles. “What she’s doing is incredibly brave and needs to be supported,” Navratilova said. “We all go through stuff, but not many of us talk about it.”

Osaka has since withdrawn from the French Open, citing her mental health as the reason. “I believe that the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris,” Osaka said in a statement. “I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer.”

Navratilova echoed Osaka’s sentiments, saying that she believes the French Open should have done more to support her. “It is a shame that it has come to this and I hope Naomi knows she has our full support,” Navratilova said.