‘Naomi Osaka’s position would pose a serious problem for tennis,’ says key official
It is essential that tennis protects the right of the press to ask “uncomfortable questions” of Naomi Osaka and other players, a key official has said.
Gilles Moretton, president of the French Tennis Federation, participated in the decision to fine and threaten to default on Osaka over her refusal to speak to the press at Roland Garros.
Osaka withdrew, saying carrying out her duties to the press was detrimental to her mental health.
However, while Moretton sympathizes with Osaka over her mental health issues, he says the freedom of the tennis press must be protected – for the sake of the players themselves.
“The issue that Naomi Osaka raised is a real issue, a real talking point,” Moretton told the New York Times.
“Maybe we will change the rules, and then everyone will come to press only if they want to. You will see that there are not many who will come.
“Everyone will be their own journalist. (Players) will speak when they want to speak, say what they want to say, answer only the questions they want to answer. And I think that’s a serious problem.
“So yes of course to the measures which will provide help and support to the players, but let’s keep the freedom of the press to ask a question which could be uncomfortable and which interests the public, who are those who keep the athletes and personalities alive.