French Open Officials To Osaka: Skipping Pressers Is A Mistake And Not Acceptable

Naomi Osaka has again caused a firestorm off court for her announcement that she will not attend mandatory press conferences at the upcoming French Open. The 4-time Grand Slam winner will instead accept the fine which could go as high as $20,000.

FFT President and former player Gilles Moretton was not pleased to hear that one of the top stars would shun the press.

“I think this is a phenomenal mistake. It shows to what extent today (the need) that there is strong governance in tennis,” Moretton told AFP.

“What is happening there is, in my opinion, not acceptable. We will stick to the laws and rules for penalties and fines.”

Tournament director Guy Forget also was critical.

“As the tournament progresses, we will see how she behaves. I don’t know what her attitude will be in the coming days, but it doesn’t send a very positive message,” Forget also said to the AFP.

Osaka, who has stated that the French Open had nothing to do with her decision, has never reached the fourth round at Roland Garros.

She’ll open against Patricia Maria Tig.