French Open boss slams Naomi Osaka’s no-press decision

"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 am not going to subject myself to people who doubt me." Under tennis tournament rules, all players are required to hold press conferences after each match. They also perform media duties before a tournament. Osaka regularly packs out media rooms because of her standing in the sport and her charisma. She fields questions in Japanese and English and is regarded as one of the world's most marketable stars. 

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She added on Wednesday: "I believe the whole situation (of news conferences) is kicking a person while they are down and I don't understand the reasoning behind it." French Open tournament director Guy Forget said he was stunned by Osaka's decision which he found at odds with a tournament still facing organisational challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic. "As the tournament progresses, we will see how she behaves. I don't know what her attitude will be in the coming days, but it doesn't send a very positive message," said Forget. Osaka has yet to get beyond the third round at Roland Garros.

Also read: Ashleigh Barty on press conferences: It’s part of the job

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