Yesterday, Naomi Osaka made a big announcement ahead of the upcoming 2021 French Open. The four-time Grand Slam champion said she won’t take part in any press conferences at the French Open, citing they exert undue pressure on the player’s mental health.

In a Twitter post, Naomi mentioned the questions posed in post-match inquests don’t have any regard for an athlete’s mental health and believes the situation is akin to “kicking a person while they’re down.”

Sports journalist gives opinion on Naomi Osaka’s decision

Following her decision, a renowned sports journalist and broadcaster, Simon Cambers, concurred with the WTA star’s statements. Commenting on Osaka‘s post, Cambers expressed that press conferences are particularly tough on the young players.

However, with the WTA investing money to help players learn to deal with multiple media commitments, Cambers feels boycotting media conferences is disgraceful and hopes Osaka’s decision is short-term.

“It is especially difficult for really young players, too. But the @WTA invest a lot of time in helping players learn how best to prepare for media commitments. This is a real shame – hope it is only temporary,” wrote Cambers.

Top Stories

Carlos Alcaraz Makes Bold Coaching Call After Sudden Split With Juan Carlos Ferrero

Stan Wawrinka Breaks Silence on Retirement With Emotional Message After 23 Years on Tour

12-Year Ban Sends Shockwaves Through Chinese Tennis After Match-Fixing Scandal

Carlos Alcaraz’s Split With Coach Resulted From ‘Major Disagreements’ With His Father

Daniil Medvedev Brutally Defeated by World No. 524

As per the tournament rules, it requires all players to speak to the media after each match. Refusing to hold a press conference results in a player being handed a fine.

Hence, knowing the authorities would financially penalize her for not taking questions at the forthcoming French Open, Naomi hopes the accrued amount will go towards a mental health charity.

Being one of the most bankable tennis players, Osaka’s presence regularly fills out the press rooms with a field of reporters asking questions in English and Japanese. Therefore, her decision is an enormous setback for the media outlets.

Meanwhile, Osaka has never gone past the third round at the French since her debut at the clay-court Grand Slam in 2016. During this year’s European clay season, Osaka crashed out in the early rounds in Madrid Open and the Italian Open.