The Japanese has refused to interact with members of media houses at the French Open 2021 citing her mental health issues
Ever since the foray of the French Open 2021, Naomi Osaka has been talked about the most. Unfortunately for her, its not due to her performances in the competition but rather her shenanigans away from the court.
Naomi Osaka Refuses To Talk To The Media
Prior to the onset of the tournament, the world number 2 Japanese had taken to social media platforms to announce her decision. Osaka had cited her emotional well being behind the move with the Japan based player talking about how the questions directed at players made them doubt their own game.
Her actions have not been taken to kindly by the officials at the French Open 2021 though with them dealing with Osaka’s decision with strong arm tactics. As per the guidelines in place, a player is liable to be fined $20,000 if he or she skips a press conference at the Grand Slams. A player is only allowed leeway to give a miss to his or her media obligations owing to an injury.
Naomi Osaka Fined At The French Open 2021
And as per the norms, Naomi Osaka has now been handed a $15,000 fine for her antics. However, this doesn’t look to be the end of the sanctions on her with the officials going onto say that they would be considering a disqualification for Osaka if she continued to stay on the sidelines during presser.
“We have advised Naomi Osaka that should she continue to ignore her media obligations during the tournament, she would be exposing herself to possible further Code of Conduct infringement consequences,” said a statement from the four Grand Slam tournaments.
“As might be expected, repeat violations attract tougher sanctions including default from the tournament.”
Osaka who is the world’s highest earning tennis player was well aware of the sanctions her actions would attract. The Japanese had previously stated that she wished any fine which would be dished out her way would be used in giving to a mental health charity.
“I’ve often felt that people have no regard for athletes mental health and this rings true whenever I see a press conference or partake in one,” Osaka had previously said when alluding to the reason behind her decision.
The fine was handed ensuing Osaka’s opening round win over Patricia Maria Tig at the French Open.
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