Why is it Compulsory For Tennis Players to do a Press Conference at Every Tournament?

There is a recent debate going on about whether it is compulsory for tennis players to do a press conference after every match of a tournament or not. The issue got raised after World No.2 Naomi Osaka decided to boycott the media at the French Open 2021. Interestingly, the Japanese star cited her mental health as the reason for doing the same.

From players to different tennis governing bodies like the WTA and FFT, all have criticized Naomi Osaka for the same. They reflected that avoiding press conferences is no solution for improving mental health.

It is actually mandatory for every player to come to a press conference after every match and answer different questions at any tournament. If one refuses to do so, he or she might be fined and have to face repercussions for the same. The fine may range from $1000 to $20,000. Besides this, a press conference is a forum for journalists and fans to ask some questions to the players about the match or their gameplay.

World No.2 Osaka hasn’t received any fine yet as she hasn’t skipped any press conference so far. Even though she has decided to boycott the media completely at the French Open 2021, she hasn’t done it. There are even chances that she might take a U-turn on the issue after receiving such backlash.

Apart from Naomi Osaka, who are the other tennis players who have skipped press conferences in the past?

There have been players in the past who have paid fines as they refused to attend the press conference after their matches. The list includes the likes of Novak Djokovic and Venus Williams.

World No.1 Djokovic didn’t face the press after he got disqualified at the US Open 2020. As a result, the Serb received a total fine of about US $20,000 following his rude behavior with the press.

Similarly, 7-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams too skipped the press conference when she lost in the first round of the Australian Open 2016. Therefore, the American player had to pay $5000 as a punishment.

Thus, Osaka too can face some really harsh consequences if she’ll miss any press conference at Roland Garros 2021. It’ll be intriguing to see if she’ll change her decision or not.

Also Read: Coach Wim Fissette Optimistic Regarding Naomi Osaka’s Triumph at French Open Some Day

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