Osaka Deserves ADA Protections

Regarding the story “Osaka tells her side of the story in essay” in the July 9th Globe SportsLog, I would think that the US Open in August will be subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ms. Osaka has shared that she has been subject to bouts of significant depression, which should qualify her for ADA protections, in which case the USTA would have to show that attending all required press conferences would constitute an “essential function” of her duties as a tournament participant. I doubt they could meet that standard, in which case they would be required to offer her “reasonable accommodations” for her disability. These could include skipping some press conferences or responding selectively only to pre-approved questions.

Athletes are also people, and entitled to legal protections. The USTA would be wise to reach out to Osaka now to negotiate an arrangement that would make her participation in their tournament more conducive to her mental health. If they refuse, and threaten sanctions if she doesn’t wish to subject herself to the news conferences or other press obligations, I hope she sues them. ADA protections are only meaningful if they are enforced.

[Published as a letter to the editor in print edition of The Boston Globe.]