Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka on Monday announced her decision to withdraw from ongoing French Open 2021. She took this decision after facing backlash from all quarters for boycotting the media at Roland Garros. Osaka did not attend the press conference after winning the first round of the French Open on Sunday, as promised, after which she was fined $ 15,000 (more than Rs 10 lakh).
Meanwhile, beat 63rd-ranked Patricia Maria Tig 6-4, 7-6 to move into second place. On Twitter, she wrote, "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."
Citing mental health concerns, Osaka denied that she would not participate in the mandatory media interviews after her matches at Roland Garros. The board of Grand Slam tournaments even tried to engage with Osaka to understand a bit more about her stance but the highest-paid female athlete in the world refused to cooperate with them.
Osaka could face 102nd-ranked Romania's Ana Bogdan, in the second round on June 2. Bogdon defeated Elisabetta Cocciaretto 6–1, 6–3 in the qualifier. Last year due to the coronavirus epidemic, the tournament was held in September with 1000 spectators.
Meanwhile, in a press statement, the Grand Slam tournaments added, "We have advised Naomi Osaka that should she continue to ignore her media obligations during the tournament, she would be exposing herself to possible further Code of Conduct infringement consequences, including default from the tournament."
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