tennis

Osaka fined $15,000 for skipping French Open news conference; could face disqualification

111 Comments
By JOHN LEICESTER and ANDREW DAMPF

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111 Comments

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Rightly so that she should be fined for not fulfilling a part of her obligations that she is getting paid for!

There are parts of my job that I don't enjoy. But I still do them, because that is what I am getting paid to do!!

19 ( +39 / -20 )

With fines of “only” $15,000/day, Naomi can skip French Open press conferences every day and still clear over $1.4 million if she wins the tournament, or about $700,000 as runner up.

17 ( +24 / -7 )

In other words, she doesn’t like to talk about chances of ‘losing’:

“Osaka turned to her preferred tweeting: “change makes people uncomfortable.” -

It’s part of sports, it’s part of life.

16 ( +29 / -13 )

She is hiding because she does not want to be questioned about if she thinks the Olympics should be held or not. Smart move!

15 ( +28 / -13 )

She should do what Marshawn Lynch did during the 2015 Super Bowl - go to the interviews and answer every question with, "I'm just here so I won't get fined".

15 ( +17 / -2 )

Her Japanese paymasters have told her to button it after the comments she made a couple of weeks ago since they are desperate to see her appear wearing their labels in their Olympics.

13 ( +18 / -5 )

Osaka is now facing expulsion from the French Open and future Grand Slams if she continues to refuse to speak to the media.

Osaka needs to stop behaving like a spoilt, petulant child and honour her contractual obligations. We all have to do stuff we don’t like but guess what, we just get on with it.

11 ( +31 / -20 )

Two warnings then remove her from the entry roster. Simple.

Its a press conference, they ask you some questions, you answer.. How do you feel after your loss? Just answer " Great! How would you feel?" Play the media, have fun!

11 ( +16 / -5 )

Bad way to handle this, her legitimate concerns will get dwarfed now by the sideshow of this.

Smarter move would have been turn up answer the questions with answers raising her issues.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

Can she not just say ‘No comment, next question’? Eventually journalists will get sick of wasting their opportunities with stupid questions.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Tennis is the sport and press conferences are the business. A lot of press conferences are used to scout and train an athletes marketing potential, you know how to develop sponsorship deals. As the business of tennis (The Grand Slams Organizers) does not want to allow for an example or acceptance of non-marketable behavior, the fines exist.

I expect that Ms. Osaka was given a private word to by her management team about the dangers of missing "Endorsement events" at the start of this and rather than pull out of the open she opted to just eat tournament fines.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Regardless of which side you are on her side or the organization.

This demonstrates a point I have made regarding the Olympics.

This was just a news conference and it will cost her $15,000 can the lower earners pay such a fine?

She could have also been suspended from future tournaments.

Again she may do ok in such a situation but other lower ranked would not

Many say those coming to participate in the Olympics have a choice to do so, but remember nearly every sport's governing body has similar rules the include fines, suspension, etc...

So unless they are very popular, very powerful any athlete that even tries to pull out will face serious consequences.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

The latest news says she may get kicked out of the tournament if she continues her media no-shows. Good riddance.

6 ( +15 / -9 )

Anyone who watched any - and I literally mean any - of Osaka’s press conferences can understand where this is coming from:

“Do you consider yourself Japanese or American?”

Well, if the reporters asked 'Have you REALLY renounced your US citizenship?', then I can very well understand why she doesn't want to turn up in that room. Awkward.

Hakman:

Very strange how she invests so much time about problems in a foreign country, and yet she has hardly said anything about Anti-Asian attacks, apart from a retweet or two, or ANY problems in her own country.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

I wonder what all her sponsors think about this negative news?

6 ( +7 / -1 )

If they gave a "bonus" for participating in the Q&A instead of fining players who didn't, I bet this wouldn't be an issue. It's the fact that they are shamed for not doing it that kind of seems silly. Obviuously I don't know. Just my guess.

5 ( +20 / -15 )

Anger is a lack of understanding. change makes people uncomfortable.”

Come on please, that's a quote straight out of a management organizational change handbook, and meaningless.

I don't know the PR nitwits advising Naomi Osaka, best jettison them off the nearest pier.

These press conferences, Naomi Oaska is not just communicating with the media, but also her fans, the people that are inspired by her achievements.

They are also the lifeblood of the sponsorship.

5 ( +11 / -6 )

Professional tennis is a one to one sport, it is media orientated on a host of different level.

The after match press conference is part and parcel of the event.

Some of the questions will be a tad recherché, inane, irritating.

Work it.

Twitter is not an alternative.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

If it's required as part of contract, then they are within their rights not only to fine her, but bar her from playing, which is absolutely what they should do if they want her to fulfill said obligations, because the fine is meaningless.

5 ( +10 / -5 )

She declined to do part of the job, and got the corresponding penalty.

She continues to do it, penalties will become heavier, as specified in the contract.

They can bar her from playing if it persists.

Her choice.

Incidentally I seem to recall that she or some other player declined to dothe actual job which is playing, some time ago.

People largely praised the player for it despite breaking obligation in a major way.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

She is hiding because she does not want to be questioned about if she thinks the Olympics should be held or not. Smart move!

As a Japanese, she would need to quarantine for 2 weeks if coming.

But as an Olympian she wouldn't.

So if she come, which will they make her do?

4 ( +10 / -6 )

She needs to refuse those asinine and patronizing questions from Japanese journalists too.

4 ( +18 / -14 )

let's see who blinks first (assuming she goes deep into the tournament).

The problem is real. Press interviews will not be discontinued, for sure they have a lot of positives, but most of the players agree the format should be reformed, regarding length, timing, and quality and type of questions. Especially since most of the players communicate with the fans a lot nowadays through social media.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Press conferences are part of the job. Professional tennis is entertainment that needs to be promoted. Naomi Osaka does not know how difficult it was for Billie Jean King and her fellow pioneers to grow the game into what it is today. Spoiled is the only word I can think of concerning her actions. She'd be a natural in today's woke college campuses. The whole society has to be responsible for someone to grow up? Her mental stress as one of the richest athletes (apparently made $50M last 12 months) is so great that she needs to be treated specially? Under mental stress? Go get some professional help. You don't have to tell anyone about it, and it's none of anyone's business. Real stress is being a laborer hoping the stupid governor of your state doesn't arbitrarily shut your industry down. Don't like the questions asked at interviews? Get a coach to help you deflect them like a good politician. Or are you so cheap that you won't hire one? I used to be a big fan. Now I realize she's just an arrogant, entitled, whiny superstar just like LeBron, Serena, etc. I will not support, to the best of my ability, any of her foolish sponsors. Nike is the easiest one to ignore. If you don't like your job, quit. If you don't want to conform to the requirements of your job, fine. Fire her ass.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

Press conference seems not necessary every time. Game has to have nothing to do with press. It is up to player. I wonder why press has be held every time? She is not a politician, a just private player.

3 ( +21 / -18 )

SpitfireToday 07:53 am JST

Her Japanese paymasters have told her to button it after the comments she made a couple of weeks ago since they are desperate to see her appear wearing their labels in their Olympics.

That's an interesting comment. Could you provide a link to the fount of this knowledge? Thank you.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

She knows she's never done well on clay so she probably expects to lose in the early rounds anycase. I'd like to see her try this crap at the US or Australian Opens. Most other sincere players have no problems turning up. If she REALLY has mental problems, then she should quit or at least take a break. Nobody is forcing her to play on the tour. Or is money REALLY that important? Grandpa won't be pleased.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

I mean the questions were assinine enough for them to become the main of a TV commercial. Especially the Japanese ones "かつ丼食べられますか" ?

Well then she should have berated the reporter and faced this stupidity head-on, instead of just letting these idiots get away with these typical immature comments.

Dominic Thiem just lost his first round match. He must be very depressed, but he made no excuses and attended his news conference answering questions in a civilized manner.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

 If you are wealthy and talented, no way can you suffer?

Mental health problems and being extremely intelligent seem to go together. Where I work there are quite a few of our best scientists and engineers who are medicating a variety of mental ills. Some of the greatest minds in mathematics had severe mental disabilities.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Plagiarized quote that sounds like it came from Yoda.

2 ( +9 / -7 )

Osaka turned to her preferred method of communication these days, tweeting: “anger is a lack of understanding. change makes people uncomfortable.”

words of wisdom right there..........I wonder where she stole it or who “wrote it” for her.

I “get it.” She’s making a stand, she making choices, her sponsors are paying more to keep quiet about all the drama she’s caused in the past, blah blah.

But why tweet anything non sports related? She’s just making it worse, since all she wants to do is “play.” Avoid political or social issues on your messages, and just promote the game.

Heres a wacky idea, tweet about the match. Thank your opponent for the competition. Show us the equipment you used, further promote your brand. Show us a highlight from the match. Talk about some volunteer work you’ve done. Show us how powerful and influential women, women of color can be in this world.

Something involving, you know, the game of tennis.

2 ( +7 / -5 )

If she doesnt want to speak to the press, let her pay a fine, and get on with it. She is a tennis player, not a TV personality. What a stupid world we live in if we deny one of the worlds best athletes an opportunity to perform just because she doesnt want to answer the same 20 questions she has been asked a million times before.

2 ( +8 / -6 )

“Do you consider yourself Japanese or American?”

She is not, and has never been, an American citizen. She is Haitian and Japanese and has lived in the US as immigrant.

Let's stop this myth that she is American. She has admitted this.

2 ( +8 / -6 )

Grow up, come sit in on the soul crushing meetings millions of us attend everyday and then she'll realize someone asking about your backhand or favorite food for 30 minutes a day isn't so bad

she is paid to be an entertainer.

And interviews are a part of her job.

She needs fans, sponsors, tournaments in order to make 50 million usd.

If she wants to play tennis only go play at the local courts. She could make a comfortable living being a hitting partner.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Naomi Osaka could take a closer look at the PR team.

Get the balance between tennis and politics into perspective.

The PR aim/focus is disjointed, thrashing around without any coherent strategy.

There is little or no concern for the sponsors.

It is so playground.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Maybe she should pack it in and become a coach?

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Patrick McEnroe and Billie Jean King told Osaka it's part of her job to speak to the press and without the media "no one would know who they are."

Boy, isn't that the truth.

Pierce Morgan called her a narcissist and a spoiled brat.

Another truth.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

This is a problem not confined to tennis. Across the board sports organizations, not the teams, but the higher level organizations that put on the competitions, treat their athletes like trained circus animals. Crack the whip, jump through the flaming hoop, don't delay even if you are scared witless or the "trainer" cracks a whip on your backside. The people running these competitions are putting on a show. The athletes are part of their marketing but they have almost no regard for the athletes as individual human beings. They are just circus creatures to them.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I hope she just says 'screw you all' and quits.

Sure, the sport will go on, but they won't get to see her greatness in it.

Seems these people have more love for the talk than the game.

The sport doesn't exist without players. Players can still play without the sport.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

I’m a fan of her. She has withdrawn from the event with a gracious exit. . She is a great player and I look forward to seeing her play in the future.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Her net worth is $55.2 million...$15,000 is not a big deal for her!

1 ( +9 / -8 )

Mss Osaka is a great tennis player with, regretfully, mental issues. She needs constant attention for that, she has a self destructive tendency cy. When I was a personal manager of top athletes i experienced it with some of them. It is part of what makes them able to push their body and mind harder than most people onnthe positive side.

in this case , and as i mentioned, her management is failing her but then again she is near impossible to manage. I also mentioned that no athlete can announce he or she is going to knowingly and willingly break the rules of a sport. It's a profession, a business. It comes with other responsibilities than playing the game.

the organisors are in this case completely correct. There is a players association and they have agreed to the current press rules and there are procedures for her to try change the rules without this little drama queen stunt.

it is correct that she should be disqualified if she does it again and suspended. According to the rules of misconduct.

why not address this problem in the press conference once and then go about changes the correct way.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

So, she's "taking a knee", huh?

But again, I was never a fan of athletes doing the SJW "thing".

Being a professional athlete comes with certain responsibilities.

You can't have your cake and eat it too, Naomi-chan.

1 ( +10 / -9 )

Well. I for one was really looking forward to the piercing, informed, and well-prepared questions for which the sports media are justifiably universally adored. For all we know, Ms. Osaka may have forgotten how to use chopsticks, or her favorite flavor of Pocky might have changed. These are matters of national, nay, global, importance.

1 ( +8 / -7 )

She is not, and has never been, an American citizen.

Yes she is. Or at least, she's said she is, and all reports have stated her as such. If you want to deny reality, you're going to have to show something to prove your reality.

She is Haitian and Japanese and has lived in the US as immigrant.

Again, up to you to prove this fantasy.

Let's stop this myth that she is American. She has admitted this.

No she hasn't.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Back on topic please.

Bungle, maybe that is the case.

What is inescapable is the main stream media will want the ins and outs of a duck rear end.

Naomi has to work with this fact.

There is no walking away from PR.

Press call it what you want.

Not having a go.

Naomi sign up you do it,

I have contractually, you have had to at one time or another.

So we all have to,.

That is life we all have to deal with it

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Let's look at the facts:

(i) The prize money is almost entirely funded from the media rights.

(ii) The media want access to the players.

(iii) Therefore the tournaments have, as part of the contract the players have to agree to, a requirement to carry out press conferences.

(iv) The press conferences themselves are very short, wholly anodyne, and not 'challenging' in any way.

It is therefore clear from all this that Osaka is being an utterly unreasonable prima donna. She wants the money but snubs those who provide it, and breaks her contract as a result, despite the fact that the media requests are harmless.

Osaka is NOT a blushing wallflower. She is quite gobby when she wants to be about her political pet causes, so she cannot claim that she has some phobia about talking to the media.

NO. I have NO sympathy with her at all.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

I don't know whether her big name sponsor will be happy about her media boycott stunt or not but it's not good for her image.

She should show mature side of her and sometimes joking with journalists will improve relationship with media. If she has mental illness and then she should see Sport Psychiatric or Psychologist as soon as possible instead of announced boycotting media. That she can't avoid forever. She needs to face with reality.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

My personal favorite thing about her is how angry she makes people, and she doesn't even care. She's the best!

1 ( +4 / -3 )

I envy her position where she can afford to swallow a $15k fine. I would do it in her position too.

Unfortunately, that fine will probably not be used to somehow benefit society. It will simply be a plus in an account book somewhere.

0 ( +13 / -13 )

Look, a crowd want to witness Naomi Osaka, as much as a TV audience want to also appreciate, yes I think admire fully the workings of how a tennis professional reaches that level of success.

That is the essence of the after match press conference.

Naomi has to deal with the silly questions, as a adult.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Help me out here, when Naomi Osaka ventures out on court, Naomi Osaka is waving a tennis racket, not a passport, what the flip has ethnicity got to do with it?

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Sponsors pay a lot of money to get their logos on the interview background and their products on the tables. That money pays her salary and all the other lower ranked players. So selfish. They need to kick her out, the end.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

I have never seen her face any tough questions from the press.

Anyone have any examples of tough, difficult questions?

She is apparently having mental issues.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

From time to time, we all have close family, friends to remind us that the world we live in revolves, and will continue to do so.

Naomi Osaka, I suspect views a means to stamp a foot down with a firm hand.

Unfortunately, the world we live in, and the main stream media, will not comply to Naomi Osaka rules.

Does Naomi yearn to be the victim of her own achievement?

Where is* Freud *when one needs him?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

If only we could all just skip out on he parts of the job we don’t like…

I like her as an athlete, but her sense of entitlement is sometimes annoying.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Check this out

Press conference fails Australian Open 2016........

Good fun.......

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMVA_WeRAnw

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I really am not interested in millionaires' problems. If she's willing to pay a fine everytime she misses a news conference, then so be it. Let's see how long it lasts. I'm more concerned about the mental health of the ordinary Joe - you know, the people who struggle to put bread on the table, the people who face racist abuse from police, Asian-haters, etc, people who struggle financially, and so on.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Pierce Morgan called her a narcissist and a spoiled brat.

Piers Morgan should look in the mirror before calling anyone that.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Some traits of a narcissist:

Everything is about them

Check

They want control and power

Check

They make grandiose statements

Check

-They manipulate others to get their way

Check

They change the subject when emotions come up

Check

They don't want to listen to anyone but themselves. They say “uh-huh,” and “yeah,” and act like they’re listening, but you can tell by their eyes that they’re not.

Check

They're a terrible sport

Check

They love to cross your boundaries and break rules

Check

They collect trophies and status symbols

Check

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Sir Alex Ferguson once said to a journalist in a press conference "You don't deserve to be here, to come at a press conference. Why should I bother with you [with] the way you behave?"

What is my point? I'm just pointing out the fact that many media people sent to those press conferences are absolute muppets, and the worst thing about them is that they still keep their jobs while playing careers can be destroyed without impunity in the process.

Having seen the same media circus nearly destroying Martina Hingis at a young age, I have the lowest level of sympathy towards sports journalists covering women's tennis. Many of those pereneially frustrated people need to keep their mouths firmly shut.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@Kwatt

Agree

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Break the rules! Create a new standard. Gosh I love the youth making good changes. go against the grain Osaka :)

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

I mean the questions were assinine enough for them to become the main of a TV commercial. Especially the Japanese ones "かつ丼食べられますか" ? I mean WTF has any of this to do with tennis? I'm with her - avoiding anything that affects your performance is also what a professional player should do. She can afford the 15k coconuts/day easily:

https://youtu.be/j-R7q7eQhZM?t=60

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

The majority of the money for sports comes from media and advertising deals. That is why there is probably a clause in the contracts for interviews. If she moved to amateur sport there would be less pressure, but also less money.

I think it is insulting to use mental health as an excuse to get out of contractual agreements that made you rich in the first place.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Don't understand her popularity in Japan, probably all halfu supporting her but she is one arrogant player. I avoid her play for my own relax leisure.

-1 ( +10 / -11 )

We're just getting warm fighto! I like this hill, it's focused. Two words: John Mcenroe. Never has the game been more entertaining! Sponsors? Pack it in? What and give the shut-ins nothing to talk about.

I don't think so. Either way, Osaka knows the hate is what it is. They won't do the changing so she's gotta once again do the dirty work for 'em. John Fn McEnroe. Priceless.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Her support for them is probably why she isn't so keen to field questions...

Yes, because she reads the exact same news as you, not being busy being one of the most elite athletes on the planet, and the only conclusion to her not speaking up on the same issues as you is that she's hiding it.

I think we can safely assume she is stalking you and doing this to antagonize you. You specifically.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

The girl needs help. Let her get some. And the tennis organization has its rules.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Self diagnosis.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

NO. I have NO sympathy with her at all.

BILL, BILL, Bill, Bill, BILL.

ALL CAPS and NO filter. What is it about tennis players say "no mas" to the interview

everyone starts to talk all hot under the chinstrap...

She slips some dosh to the zebras in charge and there it's all settled but no…

She's still got too much cash to spend. She wants to call the shots. Why won't she just play by the old rules?

Hilarious. John McEnroe absolutely changed this game.

What's funny to me is how one little tweet from a tennis star today with a bit of guts and brains,

has got so many of you and your compadres off your game. Out of sympathy, I tell you… this is mental.

"I've got NO sympathy, Ive got NO sympathy!!

It's like a thousand grown ladies and dudes all red in the face, stamping their keyboards…

"it's just not fair!!!"

Sure, we all have our bad days but Bill, why let the twitter rob you of your machismo?

Go ahead and follow the crowd on here, they're in it for the dogpiles. But for a grown man

to be losing his sideburns over this?

I can tell ya what it isn't…

It's not a good look.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Mas Osaka might be looking out for her brand ala Marshawn Lynch and sales of his brands. Lynch is pleanty rich

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwbXkFp25cI

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Her life, her decision. I just find it strange/funny that others that have nothing to do with her can get so worked up and nasty about it. Tall Poppy Syndrome i would guess.

-2 ( +8 / -10 )

Noted @Strangerland 7:49am:

- “I envy her position where she can afford to swallow... I would do it in her position, too.” -

On this occasion, we agree with your previous stance:

- “I mean, if I actually ever said something stupid, people could make fun of me for it, too.

... even these public figures should be held accountable for such brazen and arrogant behavior.

Live by the sword...”

Moving forward, she needs to show some humility or deserves harsher sanctions. Perhaps she also needs a hiatus to deal with her ‘mental issues’.

Since the fines don’t bother her, perhaps she would regain some general respect through ‘making matching donations to mental health facilities in Japan’, her country of birth

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

As a Japanese, she would need to quarantine for 2 weeks if coming.

But as an Olympian she wouldn't.

So if she come, which will they make her do?

There are special arrangements for athletes in sports events. She will not need to quarantine.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

It’s really very simple, in the post match press conference you answer two or three questions then say “ok guys, that’s it for now, you all have a good night”

there is no rule on how long you have to sit there as far as I know.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Peter Neil May 31  12:35 pm JST

I have never seen her face any tough questions from the press.

Anyone have any examples of tough, difficult questions?

She is apparently having mental issues.

I'll quote myself.

When she withdrew, she said that the press has always been kind to her.

And she has mental issues.

As usual, I was right... and you downvote people apparently can't accept it.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

You can't have your cake and eat it too, Naomi-chan.

How is this saying applicable to this situation? What cake is she trying to have an also eat?

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Professional tennis is a one to one sport, it is media orientated on a host of different level.

What ?

The after match press conference is part and parcel of the event.

Why ?

Some of the questions will be a tad recherché, inane, irritating.Work it.

Why ?

Twitter is not an alternative.

Why ?

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

I don’t personally care whether she does her press or not, but I do worry that this is an unwelcome off-the-court distraction. Hopefully it won’t hurt her tennis.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

It is her choice and for me, it is against freedom of speech to force someone to speak.

Players should get a bonus if going to media after a match, not be punished.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

Osaka. There have been athletes in the past, who refused to even talk to the press.

If there is a contractual agreement, it states athletes will attend press conferences or be fined a set amount or more imperious aka punitive measures will be enforced.

She is not merchandise or an indentured servant.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Anyone who watched any - and I literally mean any - of Osaka’s press conferences can understand where this is coming from:

“Do you consider yourself Japanese or American?”

“Can you answer in Japanese?”

“Will you eat katsudon again today?”

“What is your ethnicity?”

She seems happy to talk about serious issues and often takes the time to explain her views and especially her experience of growing up in a multicultural environment, as well as the difficulty of being perceived as a “perpetual foreigner” in Japan (the very strong impact of which is extremely clear to anyone in a similar situation).

But maybe it’s okay that she doesn’t need to deal with that while trying to do her job: she knows and accepts the consequences of this choice (yes conferences are part of the deal, but so are the fines agreed by the players union exactly to cover the possibility that someone wouldn’t want to attend them), and if you think the fact she earns a lot of money from it authorizes anyone to impose her anything else than the actual rules of the game, you can try being a professional tennis player too and then decide for yourself.

-4 ( +6 / -10 )

The Fans want to hear Naomi Osaka after match press conferences, as simple as that.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

I'm a big fan of hers, but I don't see the point of her pulling this stunt. Just sit through the conference and answer the questions, it's not a matter of "mental health" nor a big deal.

-5 ( +32 / -37 )

Perhaps the vultures should stop asking non-tennis related questions to Naomi-chan. Asking about food, relationships, Olympics, nationality etc are NOT relevant to the sport. Neither is asking her to answer in Japanese.

Keep up the vow of silence Naomi-chan. Win the major and show the haters!

-5 ( +26 / -31 )

Hah. For a second there i though Osaka prefecture itself was fined instead of Naomi.

I think athletes should just stick to what they love to do. Which is playing sports. I don't get why they would have to force someone to appear and answer reporters question when the person itself don't want too. Because if the person don't want to, even if you force her, she will not give you any genuine answers anyway. I myself would probbly be cursing them inside while i had to sit through the conference.

-5 ( +10 / -15 )

On this occasion, we agree with your previous stance:

I agree with my previous stance too.

The problem with your post being that I didn't say anything stupid, I just said something you don't like.

Moving forward, she needs to show some humility or deserves harsher sanctions. Perhaps she also needs a hiatus to deal with her ‘mental issues’.

Or, she can skip the interviews and take the fine. It's not like she can't afford it. I'd take the fine.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Naomi should do the press conference, but whisper that her throat is sore, say "sorry for my voice" a lot and just give minimal answers.

It's a great (sort of) Japanese way to passively aggressively say "FU" to the tennis association.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

Stewie -

Her life, her decision. I just find it strange/funny that others that have nothing to do with her can get so worked up and nasty about it. Tall Poppy Syndrome i would guess.

Actually, I'd suggest it has something to do with being a strong, loud and proud Black woman who speaks up for BLM and racial injustice.

If she was a white male player, someone vile and despicable like John McEnroe was, everyone wouldnt be piling the hate on.

-6 ( +7 / -13 )

Completely agree with Naomi on this. Players should be free to choose their platform for communication. Demanding that they make these public appearances is ridiculous. The sporting spectacle she provides on court for fans is more than enough.

-8 ( +25 / -33 )

100% with you Naomi !! You are a superstar !

“anger is a lack of understanding. change makes people uncomfortable"

Indeed , what is the big deal of asking questions right after a match ? Why can't they send an e-mail like the rest of the normal world ?

It really is answering stupid question to stupid people while being exhausted . Absolute nonsense ! What is the point ?

...and then they will publish it and it will stay there forever ...It is ridiculous

-8 ( +7 / -15 )

Rooting for you, Naomi. Stick to your beliefs.

-9 ( +12 / -21 )

Very strange how she invests so much time about problems in a foreign country

She's an ethnically Japanese person, born in Japan, with Japanese citizenship. But it's her foreign country.

-9 ( +2 / -11 )

@oldman

Ok. How about once a month I drill you with the SAME questions! Are you willing to do this?

-12 ( +19 / -31 )

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