“We know what we sign up for as a professional tennis player,” Ashleigh Barty does not share Naomi Osaka’s views regarding press conference boycott


“We know what we sign up for as a professional tennis player,” Ashleigh Barty does not share Naomi Osaka’s views regarding press conference boycott

Ashleigh Barty

Ashleigh Barty, top seed at French Open 2021 will look forward to claim her second title on the Red Parisian clay. The Australian has been in fine form this clay court season, having claimed the Strasbourg Open title, and finishing as the runner-up in Madrid.

Barty has shrugged off her poor start to the season, and also claimed the Miami Open title last month. She enters the French Open 2021, as one of the heavy favorites, apart from Iga Swiatek.

Despite the excitement and build-up around the French Open 2021, Naomi Osaka’s decision to skip press conferences at the event has led to a huge uproar in the tennis community. Several players and journalists have criticized Naomi Osaka’s strange decision ahead of the tournament in Paris.

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Players like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek have all shared their thoughts on the same. Now, Ashleigh Barty has also given her opinion on the same, and believes that giving press conferences are a part of the job.

Can’t really comment on what Naomi Osaka is feeling: Ashleigh Barty

Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka

Naomi Osaka decided to stay away from the press at the French Open 2021, and is ready to pay a huge fine for the same. Ashleigh Barty believes that as professionals, it is their duty to attend press conferences, and does not share Naomi Osaka’s views on the same.

In my opinion press is kind of part of the job. We know what we sign up for as professional tennis players,” said Barty.

Naomi Osaka stated that she wanted to take care of her mental health, which was a big factor in her decision to avoid the press. Ashleigh Barty stated that she cannot comment on Osaka’s feelings or decisions which she makes. “Can’t really comment on what Naomi (Osaka) is feeling or her decisions she makes,” said Barty.

Also Read: “Without the press, we will not be the athletes we are today,” Rafael Nadal’s take on Naomi Osaka skipping press conferences at French Open 2021