If you don’t have anything to say, then hey! But most of us don’t get fined $15,000.
Tennis star Naomi Osaka was penalized for not speaking to the media following her straight-set victory at the French Open on Sunday.
Before the incident, Osaka cited mental health concerns for the reason she would not be participating in any media coverage during the French Open.
She announced via social media with hopes that the fines she incurs go towards a mental health charity.
“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,” Osaka wrote.
“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’m just not going to subject myself to people that doubt me.”
Roland Garros stated that they asked Osaka “to reconsider her position and tried unsuccessfully to speak with her to check on her well-being, understand the specifics of her issue and what might be done to address it on site.”
“Following the lack of engagement by Naomi Osaka, the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open jointly wrote to her to check on her well-being and offer support, underline their commitment to all athletes’ well-being and suggest dialog on the issue,” the statement reads. “She was also reminded of her obligations, the consequences of not meeting them, and that rules should equally apply to all players.”
The organization says that repeated violations against its policies could lead to tougher penalties, and it’s possible a player could default from the tournament.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 26, 2021
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