Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has arrived at Roland Garros for the French Open 2021. But apparently, she will not participate in any press conferences during the tournament.

The 23-year-old star penned down her decision in regards to the mental health of athletes. However, she might face monetary action if she excludes herself from talking to the press.

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Naomi Osaka to omit press conferences at French Open 2021

Recently, the reigning Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka took to Twitter to reveal her decision. She firmly believes that the questions asked in the press disregard the mental health of athletes. Moreover, she also added that they inflict doubts in the players’ minds, which she would not want in Paris.

“I’m writing this to say I’m not going to do any press during Roland Garros,” Naomi wrote. “I’ve often felt that people have no regard for athletes mental health, and this rings very true whenever I see a press conference or partake in one. We’re often sat there and asked questions that we’ve been asked multiple times before or asked questions that bring doubt into our minds, and I’m just not going to subject myself to people that doubt me.”

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According to the guidelines, players cannot omit press conferences during any ATP tournaments. In case they do, they would face a hefty penalty.

Additionally, the penalised amount in Grand Slam tournaments can be as high as $20K. For instance, the Serbian ace Novak Djokovic paid a $7,500 fine when he opted out from a press conference following his US Open disqualification.

What’s interesting is Osaka knows that fact and is even ready to pay the fine. However, she hopes for the money to benefit her cause.

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Osaka stands up against the press at Roland-Garros

Furthermore, the Japanese-born also highlighted how the press conferences take a toll on the players. She added that many athletes have broken down in public for the same reason.

Hence, fans will see Osaka only on the Parisian clay courts. “If the organizations think that they can just keep saying, ‘do press or you’re gonna be fined,’ and continue to ignore the mental health of the athletes that are the centerpiece of their cooperation, then I just gotta laugh. Anyways, I hope the considerable amount that I get fined for this will go towards a mental health charity,” she concluded.

Osaka has had a disappointing clay season so far but will aim to turn things around at Roland-Garros 2021. She has already begun her training at Court Philippe-Chatrier and will start her campaign after May 30.

Do you think Osaka will beat the odds and win the French Open 2021?

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