Naomi Osaka will have to pay a fine of $ 15,000, about 12,300 euros, for refusing to give press conferences both before Roland Garros and after the games. The Japanese announced on her social networks a few days ago that she would not attend the media during the tournament due to a question of “mental health” and Both before the tournament and after this Sunday's match against the Romanian Tig, Osaka complied with what he had warned.
Both those responsible for Roland Garros and the rest of the Grand Slams, who sent him a letter, and the WTA tried to get the former world number one and winner of four majors to reconsider her position and comply with one of “her contractual obligations”, but given the player's refusal, they decided to fine her under article III H of the Code of Conduct. In addition, they warn him that if he does not denounce his attitude, he is exposed to “more severe” sanctions, including a possible “expulsion from the tournament”, the subsequent “investigation of a serious infraction” and even “substantial fines and suspensions in other Grand Slams. “.
“A central element of the Grand Slam regulations is the responsibility of the players to interact with the media, whatever the outcome of their match., a responsibility that the players assume for the benefit of the sport, the fans and themselves, “says the statement issued by the four majors.
No supports in the circuit
Some players gave their opinion on Osaka's position, among them Rafa Nadal and Garbiñe Muguruza, and in general terms they respect it, but do not support his decision. “I understand your position, but I think that without the press that travels and writes about what we do, we would not have the recognition that we have around the world. The media are very important in sports, “said the Spaniard. “I consider that my responsibility is to do the press. I think we need the means, even if sometimes it is hard and you feel bad. You have to count on them for the good and the bad, “explained the woman from Caracas.