“Press conferences are a part of the sport,” Novak Djokovic gives his opinion on Naomi Osaka’s ‘big decision’ ahead of French Open 2021


“Press conferences are a part of the sport,” Novak Djokovic gives his opinion on Naomi Osaka’s ‘big decision’ ahead of French Open 2021

Novak Djokovic

Naomi Osaka made the headlines this week, after she decided to skip the press conferences at French Open 2021. The Japanese star has been an influential figure in the tennis community, ever since she claimed the US Open title in 2018. However, this time, she has come under fire for her decision to skip the pressers in Paris.

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Earlier, Rafael Nadal criticized Naomi Osaka’s decision, and believes that although he respects her decision, yet giving a press was a part of a player’s career. This is similar to what his fierce rival, Novak Djokovic had to say on Naomi Osaka’s decision.

Novak Djokovic stated that he understands the press conferences can be challenging at time, but he believes that it is a part of a player’s job, and life on the tennis circuit.

I understand that press conferences sometimes can be very unpleasant, and it’s not something that you enjoy, always, you know, especially if you lose a match or something like this,” said Djokovic.

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But it is part of the sport and part of your life on the tour. This is something we have to do, otherwise, we will get fined,” he added.

Naomi Osaka subject to criticism from several top athletes and pundits

Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka

According to the Grandslam rules, a player must give a press conference within 30 minutes of finishing his/her match, or they would be fined up to $20,000. Novak Djokovic is no stranger to this rule, as he was himself fined a huge sum after failing to appear at a press conference at US Open 2020.

The Serbian had received a fine of $7,500 as he skipped the press conference at Flushing Meadows after defaulting in the fourth round.

Sam Groth, retired Australian tennis player slammed Naomi Osaka for her huge decision, and believes that her decision meant to disrespect several pressers. “Media conferences are attended by accredited members of the media, many of whom have established meaningful rapports with players,” Sam Groth wrote in a column in Melbourne’s Herald-Sun newspaper on Friday.

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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