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Osaka withdraws from French Open amid press boycott controversy

Last updated on: June 01, 2021 00:14 IST

Naomi Osaka

IMAGE: Japan’s Naomi Osaka looks dejected. Photograph: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Japan's Naomi Osaka announced on Monday she was withdrawing from the French Open in the wake of her decision to boycott post-match media duties at the Grand Slam tournament.

Osaka was fined $15,000 by Grand Slam organisers for failing to attend a news conference following her first-round win.

 

The 23-year-old made the announcement on Twitter.

"I think now the best thing for the tournament, other players and my wellbeing is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focussing on the tennis."

In a tweet, Osaka revealed she had 'suffered long bouts of depression' since winning her first Grand Slam title in 2018.

The Japanese four-time major winner added that she gets 'huge waves of anxiety' before speaking to the world's media.

Osaka said she was going to 'take some time away from the court now', adding: 'When the time is right I really want to work with the Tour to discuss ways we can make things better for the players, press and fans'.

Check out her statement:

Naomi Osaka

 

Naomi Osaka

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