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Naomi Osaka Withdraws From French Open After Media Controversy

PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 30: Naomi Osaka of Japan plays a backhand shot in her First Round match against Maria Tig of Romania during Day One of the 2021 French Open at Roland Garros on May 30 at Roland Garros on May 30, 2021 in Paris, France. (Photo by Tnani Badreddine/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Naomi Osaka of Japan has exited from competing in the 2021 French Open. She announced through Twitter on May 31 that she will “take some time away from the court now.”

Osaka declared that she would not talk to the media before the commencement of the French Open, citing concerns for her own mental health. Osaka was fined $15,000 for refusing to engage with media outlets. This came after she skipped Sunday’s post-match press conference following her win over Patricia Maria Tig.

“We want to underline that rules are in place to ensure all players are treated exactly the same, no matter their stature, beliefs or achievement, said Grand Slam Organizers in a statement. “As a sport there is nothing more important than ensuring no player has an unfair advantage over another, which unfortunately is the case in this situation if one player refuses to dedicate time to participate in media commitments while others honor their commitments.” The Grand Slam Organizers are a coalition of officials from Wimbledon, the US Open and the Australian Open. They went on to say that Osaka would face more consequences if she continually refused to speak to the media.

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Osaka further explained her withdrawal from the tournament. “I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris,” Osaka said. “I never wanted to be a distraction, and I accept that my timing was not ideal and our message could have been clearer.”

“First and foremost, we are sorry and sad for Naomi Osaka,” stated Gilles Moretton, who is president of the French Tennis Federation. “The outcome of Naomi withdrawing from Roland Garros is unfortunate. We wish her the best and the quickest possible recovery and we look forward to having Naomi in our tournament next year.” Moretton also assured the media of the Grand Slam’s commitment to the mental health of athletes.

Celebrities such as Stephen Curry and Coco Gauff have shown support for Osaka on social media in the midst of her withdrawal controversy.