Naomi Osaka’s decision to withdraw from the French Open has drawn criticism from the boss of the French Open who threatened her with expulsion.
However, he did not take any questions from the media after making this statement.
Osaka, 23, opened up about her mental health struggles and announced she would be pulling out of the grand slam due to the media frenzy surrounding her boycott of media duties.
“Hey everyone, this isn’t a situation I ever imagined or intended when I posted a few days ago,” she wrote on Twitter.
“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 made the decision after a $20,000 fine from French Open organisers and threats of expulsion in a signed statement by the chairs of all four grand slams.
“First and foremost, we are sorry and sad for Naomi Osaka,” Moretton said.
“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 her at our tournament next year.”
Serena Williams has commented on the decision, saying that she did “many” press conferences and that “it made me stronger”.
“The only thing I feel is that I feel for Naomi,” Williams said of Osaka’s boycott and subsequent reveal.
“I feel like I wish I could give her a hug because I know what it’s like. Like I said, I’ve been in those positions.
“We have different personalities, and people are different. Not everyone is the same. I’m thick. Other people are thin. Everyone is different and everyone handles things differently.
“You just have to let her handle it the way she wants to, in the best way she thinks she can, and that’s the only thing I can say. i think she’s doing the best that she can.”
