World number two Naomi Osaka stands expulsion from the French Open and future Grand Slams.
If she proceeds to ignore speaking to media, the organisers say. Japan’s Osaka said last week that she would not give any news interviews during Roland Garros. All because she wants to save her mental health for the games.
She was penalised $15,000 (£10,570) for not doing media after winning Sunday’s first-round over Romanian Patricia Maria Tig.
The following seed won 6-4 7-6 (7-4).
A joint statement from the four Grand Slam organisers said Osaka also faces substantial fines and future Grand Slam suspension.
However, later on, Sunday, Osaka tweeted that change makes people uncomfortable.
The Grand Slams added that following Osaka’s decision on Wednesday, Roland Garros asked the 23-year old to reconsider her stance. Also, that they were unsuccessful in their attempts to check on her well-being.
After a lack of engagement from Osaka, the Grand Slam organisers wrote to her to offer aid. Also, to remind the world’s number two of her obligations.
A core element of the Grand Slams is the responsibility of the athletes to engage with the media. Despite the fact that they win or lose their match. A commitment that players take for the benefit of the sport, the fans, and themselves, the statement said.
They have advised Naomi Osaka that should she remain to ignore her media obligations during the tournament. Then, she would be exposing herself to possible further Code of Conduct infringement consequences.
As might be assumed, repeat violations attract harsher penalties, including default from the tournament. Also, trigger a significant offence investigation that could lead to a more substantial fine and future Grand Slam suspension.
It also added that the rules exist to assure all athletes are treated precisely the same.
How did it get here?
On Wednesday, Osaka issued a statement saying she would not face the media during the span of the French Open. Citing the influence of news conferences on the mental health of players, she made the decision.
She said she usually felt that people have no concerns for athletes’ mental health. Also, this rings true whenever she sees a conference or partakes in one, she said in a statement.
