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Naomi Osaka’s boycott of the media at the French Open led to a hefty fine and threat of expulsion from the tournament over the weekend, according to a statement.
Osaka said that her boycott was to focus on mental health and that any fines would go to a mental health charity.
The 23-year-old was fined $15,000 after skipping out on a media appearance after winning her first-round match on Sunday, with the French Open, US Open, Australian Open, and Wimbledon issuing a joint statement that a further boycott could result in her being kicked out of the tournament.
“We have advised Naomi Osaka that should she continue to ignore her media obligations during the tournament, she would be exposing herself to possible further Code of Conduct infringement consequences,” the statement said.
“As might be expected, repeat violations attract tougher sanctions including default from the tournament (Code of Conduct article III T.) and the trigger of a major offence investigation that could lead to more substantial fines and future Grand Slam suspensions (Code of Conduct article IV A.3.).”
Osaka responded with a brief statement on Twitter referring to the fine and threat.
anger is a lack of understanding. change makes people uncomfortable.
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) May 30, 2021
She had previously said, “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. 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.”
Osaka’s next match is scheduled for Wednesday, June 2 against Ana Bogdan.
We will have to see if she continues to follow through with her boycott and whether the French Open actually would follow through with expulsion. Osaka could also take the Marshawn Lynch “I’m just here so I won’t get fined” approach.
Do you think Osaka should be obligated to speak to the media? Sound off in the comments section below with your thoughts.
