WTA open to dialogue with Naomi Osaka over media boycott, but says players have a responsibility

The WTA is keen to discuss mental health issues with Naomi Osaka but has stressed players have a responsibility to talk to the media.
Osaka, the highest-earning female sports star in history, announced on the eve of the French Open that she would not be taking part in any press during the tournament because of mental health concerns.
Writing on social media, the world number two said players being forced to do press conferences after defeats is “kicking a person while they’re down”.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 26, 2021
Osaka’s decision has not gone down well with the president of the French Tennis Federation, Gilles Moretton, who called it a “phenomenal error”, and it has also put the WTA in a difficult position.
The organisation said in a statement: “Mental health is of the utmost importance to the WTA and, for that matter, every individual person. We have a team of professionals and a support system in place that look after our athletes’ mental and emotional health and well-being.
“The WTA welcomes a dialogue with Naomi (and all players) to discuss possible approaches that can help support an athlete as they manage any concerns related to mental health, while also allowing us to deliver upon our responsibilities to the fans and public.
“Professional athletes have a responsibility to their sport and their fans to speak to the media surrounding their competition, allowing them the opportunity to share their perspective and tell their story.”
Novak Djokovic shares his views on Naomi Osaka’s decision to boycott French Open press conferences
The WTA’s stance was echoed by leading players at the media day at Roland Garros on Friday, where Osaka was, of course, a notable omission.
World No 1 Ashleigh Barty said: “I think in my opinion press is kind of part of the job. We know what we sign up for as professional tennis players.
“At times press conferences are hard, of course, but it’s also not something that bothers me. I’ve never had problems answering questions or being completely honest with you guys.”
Teenager Iga Swiatek was thrust into the global spotlight when she surged through the field to win her first grand slam title on the Parisian clay in October.
😊 Fun, fun @rolandgarros pic.twitter.com/4lclvW7sOm
— Iga Świątek (@iga_swiatek) May 26, 2021
She admitted she initially found that a difficult adjustment, saying: “Everybody started treating me differently. My life changed totally. Finding a balance and really being able to enjoy the victory after such a chaotic time, it was really, really nice.”
On Osaka’s stance, the Pole added: “I personally feel that this is part of the job. And of course, you know, talking to press after we lost, it’s not the most enjoyable thing to do. But it’s good to find the balance and find the distance to all of that.
“I feel that media is really important because they are giving us a platform to talk about our lives and our perspective. And it’s also important because not everybody is a professional athlete and not everybody knows what we are dealing with on court. It’s good to speak about that.”
Rafael Nadal, who will bid for a 14th title at Roland Garros, has been under the microscope for the better part of 20 years.

He said: “I respect her, of course, as an athlete and her personality. I respect her decision. We as sports people, we need to be ready to accept the questions and to try to produce an answer.
“Without the press, without the people who are writing the news and achievements that we are having around the world, probably we will not be the athletes that we are today. We are not going to have the recognition that we have around the world, and we will not be that popular.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
WTA Tour
Simona Halep to return to top ten after reaching Toronto final
Simona Halep and Beatriz Haddad Maia will battle it out for the Toronto Masters title.
-
ATP Tour
Dan Evans battles bravely but Pablo Carreno Busta sets Hubert Hurkacz showdown
The British number two was eventually outlasted 7-5 6-7 6-2 across two hours and 58 minutes.
-
ATP Tour
Andy Murray gets Cinccinati boost, but handed tricky opener against old foe with Cameron Norrie also lurking
Andy Murray handed tough assignment in Cincinnati.
-
ATP Tour
Dan Evans vs Pablo Carreno Busta: How to watch Montreal semis as Evans looks to sneak into ATP top 20
A quick lowdown on the Canadian Masters semi-final and possible ATP Ranking changes.
-
ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal ‘happy to be in Cincy’ as he finds out his path to possible glory at ATP Masters 1000 event
Rafael Nadal good to go in Cincinnati.
-
ATP Tour
Nick Kyrgios ‘doesn’t care’ about records as he admits parents’ illness and fatigue are weighing him down
Nick Kyrgios not concerned about his winning streak coming to an end as he is more worried about his parents.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Cincy draw: Daniil Medvedev and Nick Kyrgios could meet again, Dan Evans in line to face Stefanos Tsitsipas
This way for the draw of the 2022 Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati.
-
WTA Tour
Simona Halep ‘stays strong mentally’ to hold off ‘super nice and future Grand Slam champion’ Coco Gauff
Simona Halep overcomes edgy second set to beat Coco Gauff.
-
WTA Tour
WTA Cincinnati draw: Emma Raducanu to face Serena Williams in dream opening match
The Cincy draw has dished up a big one: Emma Raducanu vs Serena Williams
-
ATP Tour
Dan Evans continues his dream run to reach Montreal semi-final
He will face Pablo Carreno Busta after the Spaniard defeated British qualifier Jack Draper in straight sets.