“Naomi Osaka now decided not to honor her contractual media obligations.
Osaka had declared last Wednesday she wouldn’t do media in the French Open because she considered the practice harmful to athletes’ emotional wellbeing. “We’re often sat there and asked questions that we have been asked multiple times before or asked questions which bring doubt into our minds and I am not just going to subject myself to those who doubt me,” she composed across social media platforms. The 23-year-old added she expected any penalties she’s forced to pay would go toward a mental health charity.
Osaka followed through on her promise after her first-round triumph against Patricia Maria Tig on Sunday when she did not attend the post-match media conference. She did participate in the traditional on-court interview immediately following the game, however.
The Grand Slam associations — which include Tennis Australia, the All-England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) and the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) said Sunday that they had previously reached out to Osaka”to test on her well-being and offer support, reevaluate their commitment to all athletes’ well-being and suggest dialog on the issues.”
“She was also reminded of her duties, the consequences of not meeting them and that rules should equally apply to all gamers,” the associations said, adding that,”A core element of the Grand Slam regulations would be the responsibility of the players to participate with the media, whatever the result of their match, a responsibility which players choose for the benefit of their sport, the fans and also for themselves.”