Naomi Osaka Fined $15,000 For Refusing To Attend Press Conferences

Four-time Grand Slam champion, Naomi Osaka, announced her decision to avoid the press days before the commencement of the French Open.

Naomi Osaka shared her decision on Twitter, citing her mental health as the reason.

Osaka acknowledged that she might incur fines and said she hoped it would go towards a mental health charity.

Osaka played her opening match against Patricia Maria Tig at Roland Garros, securing her first victory. However she followed through on her decision to avoid the post-match press conferences and has now been fined $15,000.

A joint statement issued by all four of the Grand Slam tournaments, said they asked her to “reconsider her position”.

“Following the lack of engagement by Naomi Osaka, the Australian Open, Roland-Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open jointly wrote to her to check on her well-being and offer support, underline their commitment to all athletes’ well-being and suggest dialogue on the issues.”

“She was reminded of her obligations, the consequences of not meeting them and that rules should equally apply to all players.”

“Naomi Osaka today chose not to honour her contractual media obligations. The Roland-Garros referee has therefore issued her a $15,000 fine, in keeping with article II H. of the Code of Conduct.”

The statement went on to warn Osaka that if she continued to avoid the media, she could face “default from the tournament” and “lead to more substantial fines and future Grand Slam suspension.”

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