Naomi Osaka Refuses To Do Press
May 30, 2021
Rebecca Rodriguez

Four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka announced on Wednesday that she would not participate in any press conferences during this year’s French Open. The No. 2-ranked women’s tennis player explained her decision as protection of her mental health. The tennis star posted the news on social media saying, “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.”

The 23-year-old player further explained her decision, saying: “We’re (athletes) 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 not just going to subject myself to people that doubt me. I’ve watched many clips of athletes breaking down after a loss in the press room and I know you have as well,” Osaka continued. “I believe that whole situation is kicking a person when they’re down and I don’t understand the reasoning behind it.” Osaka also added that her decision was “nothing personal to the tournament,” or to the press, with whom she generally has a friendly relationship.

Getty Images/ AFP/ BRANDON MALONE

You may also like