Naomi Osaka received support from several athletes on Thursday but was slammed by French Tennis Federation (FFT) President Gilles Moretton after saying she would not attend press conferences at this year’s French Open.
Having said that the nature of the questions puts an undue burden on players’ mental health, four-times Grand Slam champion Osaka was supported by rival Iga Swiatek’s sports psychologist.
Retired Fomula One champion Nico Rosberg, former tennis player Zina Garrison and British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith also lent support to world number two Osaka.
“Naomi Osaka has a point, but it is two side to this coin,” Garrison tweeted.
“She will be able to pay for the fine most Athletes can’t. Love you are bring awareness to mental health in sports. Come together with all sides and work on a solution now.”
Rosberg told Reuters on Thursday: “I think it’s quite a ballsy step again from her. I can understand because when I was on my way to the championship… I switched everything off. No media, no news, no emails,”
