Novak Djokovic shares his views on Naomi Osaka’s decision to boycott French Open press conferences
He admits that speaking to the media can sometimes “be very unpleasant”, but Novak Djokovic believes press duties are “part of the sport and part of your life” when on Tour.
Four-time Grand Slam winner Osaka caused a major stir this week when she announced that she would not talk to the media during this year’s clay-court Grand Slam due to the impact it has on her mental health, stating “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.”
French tennis chief describes Naomi Osaka’s French Open media snub as a ‘phenomenal error’
The world No 2 is aware that she is likely to be fined, but added that she hopes the “considerable” fine she is likely to receive will go to a mental health charity.
Djokovic was asked for his opinion about Osaka’s decision and replied: “I understand that press conferences sometimes can be very unpleasant.
“And it’s not something that you enjoy, always, you know, especially if you lose a match or something like this.
“But it is part of the sport and part of your life on the Tour. This is something we have to do, otherwise, we will get fined.
“I mean, that’s at least the case on the men’s side. I don’t know about the rules on the women’s side. So that’s all I can say.”
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