Osaka media boycott a ‘phenomenal mistake’

Naomi Osaka’s decision to boycott press conferences at the French Open has upset Rolamnd Garros officials with French Federation president Gilles Moretton calling it a “phenomenal mistake”.

Osaka will be fined for every press conference she deliberately misses – a fine that could bed as high as $20,000.

“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 never gone beyond the third round at Roland Garros will open against Patricia Maria Tig.