“Her Confidence Was Completely Shattered”: Sister Mari Explains Why Naomi Osaka Decided to Boycott Press Conferences at French Open 2021

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has become the center of every discussion in the tennis world. However, it’s not her game but her decision to boycott press conferences at French Open 2021 that is making headlines.

Consequently, a storm of players, critics, fans and others have massively challenged her decision.

Thus, to help her case, Osaka’s sister Mari has opened up on the current situation. In essence, the former Japanese player gave an overview of the entire scene happening presently.

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Sister Mari details why Naomi Osaka boycotted the presser at French Open 2021

Mari revealed that a family member came up to Naomi and remarked she’s bad at clay. She added that even the media persistently reminded her of her poor record on the red dirt.

“When she lost in Rome R1, she was not ok mentally. Her confidence was completely shattered,” Mari wrote. Everybody’s remarks and opinions got to her, the younger sister disclosed further.

But, to have a shot at winning Roland-Garros, the reigning Australian Open champion needed belief.

“So her solution was to block everything out. No talking to people who are going to put doubt in her mind. She’s protecting her mind hence why it’s called mental health,” Mari added.

However, the Grand Slam Board has given the Japanese a warning already. If she keeps boycotting the press conferences, she is looking ahead at hefty penalities and even default.

Mari continued that she did not know what Osaka would do next, but she fully supports her sister. She ended with one of her own experiences. 

“When I lost my one WTA match, where I had to do a press conference afterwards, I broke down in the room unfortunately and then saw headlines after of me, crying. It was embarrassing, and it’s forced on players. Some can take it, and some struggle with it,” Mari concluded.

Hopefully, the two parties involved will find a middle ground to settle this. Presently, Osaka has received a $15000 fine for missing the press conference after her first match.

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Osaka hits back on the critics and the Grand Slam Board decision

In a considerably subtle manner, Osaka revealed her distress about the whole mess. “Anger is a lack of understanding. Change makes people uncomfortably.”

After defeating Patricia Tig 6-4, 7-6(4), Osaka will meet Ana Bogdan in the French Open 2021 second round. What would she do, abide by the rules or take the risk of severely affecting her career?

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