Words by Hannah Shaw
She’s been criticised, fined and threatened with suspension – but Naomi Osaka is breaking the mould for athletes under the spotlight.
The world of sport is once again under the spotlight. In a surprising turn of events, this week, it’s not football in the hot seat, but tennis. Japan’s up-and-coming – and already world-beating – court star Naomi Osaka has confirmed that she will not be speaking to the press at this year’s Roland Garros French Open.
Of course, we all know the media has and will continue to cause all sorts of problems for those in and out of it – but Osaka’s controversial decision has sparked an unexpectedly global debate.
In an attempt to protect her mental health and encourage change for other athletes, the 23-year-old took to Instagram to say, “I’m just not going to subject myself to people that doubt me.” Naturally, the stance has triggered tournament organisers, journalists and a whole bunch of tennis fans. It may come as a surprise to learn that an athlete’s refusal to engage with the media at Grand Slam Tournaments results in some hefty fines – confirmed to be $15,000, in this case – but Osaka hasn’t let this stop her from initiating a potential media revolution in the sporting sphere. In her post, she clarified, “Anyways, I hope the considerable amount that I get fined for this will go to a mental health charity xoxo” – fair play to you, Naomi, we rate your attitude.
Martin Bureau / AFP
Unsurprisingly, the backlash has been real. The young outspoken woman, who has been a vocal advocate for Black rights in and out of her sport, has automatically been subjected to all types of shade from the media. The Telegraph, for instance, labelled Osaka’s decision “diva behaviour at its worst”, which just goes to show the industry’s continued lack of respect for even world-class athletes. It’s no wonder she’s refused to get involved in any press conferences.
Fellow athletes have her back, though, with the likes of Jamal Hill sharing her post in solidarity and Dina Asher-Smith agreeing that some reporters “try to find, and at times create, cracks in your psychology.”
You can make up your own mind about whether Osaka’s choice is right or not, but you’ve got to give it to her for standing up and putting her personal health before anything. Irrespective of the contractual obligations and corporate expectations associated with athletes in the media, these people – superhuman as they might seem – are, after all, still people.
We’re rooting for you, Naomi.
Check out our profile of Serena Williams – the tennis icon who’s not done just yet.