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Naomi Osaka faced strong opposition after challenging the status quo of tennis, a move that would only enhance her status as a trailblazer in the sport.
Naomi Osaka’s decision to boycott the French Open’s press conference was criticized by the head of French tennis as an “astounding mistake”. He said the Japanese star’s actions were “unacceptable”.
Osaka, ranked second in the world, said that she will not participate in any media work for the French Open starting on Sunday.
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23 years old she said Worried about the impact of the press release on her mental health She compares this to “kicking people when they fall on the ground”.
However, Gilles Moretton, president of the French Tennis Federation (FFT), criticized the four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka.
“This is an amazing mistake, and it shows the extent to which strong governance is needed,” he said.
“In my opinion, what is happening is unacceptable. What we want to promote is tennis.”
Every time Osaka does not participate in the press conference, Osaka may be fined up to 25,000 Australian dollars. However, this will not have any financial impact-in 2020, she made nearly 50 million U.S. dollars, more than any other female athlete.
Osaka said she will donate the fine to a mental health charity.
“I often feel that people don’t care about the mental health of athletes, and whenever I see a press conference or attend a press conference, this is true,” Osaka said on Twitter.
“We often sit there and ask questions that we have been asked many times before, or the questions asked will make us suspicious. I will not let myself be influenced by people who doubt me.”
As the email shows, the plot thickens
Osaka also sent an email to the French Open organizers explaining her decision.This email is from Sports Illustrated Tennis reporter Jon Wertheim on social media.
Among them, Osaka thanked the organizers for their hard work to ensure that the Grand Slam can continue, and stated that her decision “does not oppose the French Open, or even the members of the press themselves.”
“This stance opposes a system that requires athletes to be forced to do stress when they are in poor mental health. I believe it is old and needs reform,” Osaka wrote.
“After this game, I want to work with the tour and management agencies to find out how we can best compromise to change the system.
“Unfortunately for the French Open, this happened during your game. This is purely coincidental and has nothing to do with the individual. I have only respect for your activities.”
According to the rules of the tennis game, all players must hold a press conference after each game. They also perform media duties before the game.
Because of her position in the sport and her charm, Osaka often packs up a media room.
She answers questions in Japanese and English and is considered one of the best-selling stars in the world.
She added on Wednesday: “I believe that the whole situation (of the press conference) was kicking a person when he was depressed. I don’t understand the reason behind this.”
French Open tournament director Guy Forget said he was shocked by Osaka’s decision, which he found was inconsistent with a tournament that still faces organizational challenges from the ongoing pandemic.
“As the game progresses, we will see her performance. I don’t know how her attitude will be in the next few days, but this does not send a very positive message,” Forget said.
Novak Djokovic, number one in the men’s world, said the press conference is part of the tennis player’s job.
“I understand that press conferences can be very unpleasant at times. This is not something you always like-especially if you lose a game,” he said.
“But this is part of the sport and part of your life on the tour. This is something we have to do or we will be fined.”
Osaka still hasn’t surpassed the third round in Roland Garros.
Support Osaka
Osaka has also received other support. British player Naomi Brody said that the solution may be to not require players to talk to reporters within 30 minutes after the end of the game, allowing them more time to digest the results.
“If there is more time after that major loss, so you can calm down, digest and cry in the spotlight,” she told the BBC.
“It’s very difficult, because it’s also an opportunity for you to show your passion and personality, but if it’s when you are so depressed, it’s difficult for you to be forced so fast by the rules.”
British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith followed closely behind Osaka. She said: “This is too correct. I support this.
“I like that Naomi has the courage to do this. She is right. Under these circumstances, the mental health of athletes cannot be ignored.”
Athletes such as former tennis player Gina Garrison and former F1 world champion Nico Rosberg supported Osaka on social media.
Osaka wins the French Open draw
Ash Barty won a nightmarish French Open draw But this is good news for Osaka. She started against Patricia Maria Teague, ranked 63rd in Romania, and looked to face American Alison Risk in the third round.
Agence France-Presse
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