Tennis body fines Naomi Osaka $15k for media boycott

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Japanese tennis superstar Naomi Osaka was slapped with a $15,000 fine by the board of Grand Slam after skipping all news conferences after her first-round victory in the 2021 French Open.

The world no. 2 women’s tennis player earlier expressed that when the French Open kicks off, she will no longer participate in any press conference activities to protect her mental health.

In defense of Osaka’s statements, French Open officials and the board of Grand Slam said that all tournaments value the players’ mental health and in fact, it is always the top priority.

The board of Grand Slam also confirmed that if Osaka continues her media ignorance in the second round, she could face more consequences.

“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 board of Grand Slam said in a statement.

Officials then reiterated that one of the core elements of Grand Slam rules and regulations is for players to answer the queries of the media as long as it’s within the line.

“As might be expected, repeat violations attract tougher sanctions including default from the tournament. And the trigger of a major offense investigation that could lead to more substantial fines and future Grand Slam suspensions,” the board of Grand Slam continued.