fbpx

Naomi Osaka withdraws from French Open

The biggest news from the opening day of the French Open was something that happened outside the court.

The current Australian Open and US Open Champion, Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open.

Here is how the saga unfolded.

On May 26, Osaka put out a tweet saying that she won’t be doing any press conferences during the French Open.

The issue is not all that straightforward.

Press meets are part of the contractual obligations for any tennis player and are widely accepted as the norm.

The maximum fine for not doing a press meet is $20,000, which is small change for Osaka, the world’s highest-earning female athlete.

Nevertheless, the world No. 2, Osaka, a 23-year-old stuck to her guns and skipped the post-match news conference after her first-round victory over Romanian, Patricia Tig.

As a result, she was fined $15,000 by the French Open organisers.

What’s more, the chiefs of the four Grand Slam tournaments, the Australian, French and United States Opens, and Wimbledon, threatened that she could be expelled from the French Open and face harsher penalties if she would not fulfil her media obligations.

Osaka, who was understandably peeved, responded by dropping out of the French Open.

She also spoke about her mental health issues and anxieties over fielding tough questions by journalists during press events.

Her action has been supported by fellow tennis players, including the legendary Martina Navratilova.

13-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal and the women’s world No. 1, Ash Barty have taken a more balanced position.

While they respect Osaka’s right to take a stance, they also believe that speaking to reporters part of the job.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

You may Also Like

IPL 2023 Predictions: PBKS vs MI

Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians will clash in Match 45 of the IPL 2023 on Wednesday evening in Mohali. Mumbai Indians have been very inconsistent...

IPL nuggets: Fans go gaga over Ishant’s knuckle ball

Delhi Capitals pulled off a major upset by beating the table toppers Gujarat Titans by 5 runs at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium yesterday. Defending a...

IPL nuggets: Kohli and Gambhir clash again after LSG lose

Cricketers Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir are known for their aggression. Unfortunately, that attitude has cost them dearly! Both have been fined 100 per cent of...

Highlights