Mental-Health Services Come to Women’s Tennis, Inspired by Osaka
Modern Health agrees to offer services to female tennis players after top stars confront depression, burnout
Naomi Osaka smiles after defeating Alison Riske during the 2022 Miami Open on March 28.
Photographer: Mark Brown/Getty Images
Faced with growing evidence that celebrated athletes are struggling with the pressures of competition and intense media scrutiny, the governing body of women's tennis is turning to a well-funded California startup for help.
The Women's Tennis Association agreed to a deal with Modern Health to produce a five-part video series featuring some of the sport's top players in order to raise awareness about mental-health challenges among athletes. The San Francisco-based company will also offer players the chance to connect with mental-health coaches and therapists in its network. The WTA has more than 1,600 members who could be eligible to use the services. Financial terms weren’t disclosed.