“Naomi Osaka Can Find a Way to Work”: Former Olympian Highlights the Importance of Press Conferences

The Tokyo Olympics have kicked off and Naomi Osaka was the torchbearer in her homeland during the opening ceremony. Given the controversy that Naomi has courted in recent months, all eyes will be on her, especially the media. Her performance at the Olympics will be a key statement of intent; however, former Olympian Jarkko Nieminen thinks otherwise.

Jarkko believes that Osaka has invited trouble for herself after all the media fiasco in the last two months. The Japanese star did not attend the press conferences at the French Open in May and was under the spotlight for her actions.

Naomi Osaka made her life difficult, says Finnish tennis star Jarkko Nieminen

Naomi withdrew from the French Open in May, as she went on to miss out on her mandatory press conferences. Naomi was fined for her conduct, along with added pressure from the media and the fans.?However, many athletes and eminent personalities came forward in support of the youngster.

Former tennis star Jarkko Nieminen of Finland had different views than the world.

“If you are a top athlete in a global sport, press conferences are part of the package. All the players respect that they get paid from playing and they need the media to promote it,” said Jarkko to Tennis365.

Jarkko represented Finland at the 2004, 2008 and 2012 Olympics. He will be working as a Discovery tennis expert at the Tokyo Olympics.

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Naomi carries the torch in Tokyo

The Japanese star was the final torchbearer at the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics. The World No.2, a four-time Grand Slam champion, is probably the most important athlete from Japan at the moment, from a cultural standpoint as well.

The final torch bearer is usually an important personality, as it stood true in Osaka’s case. After facing a lot of backlash from the media, Osaka is finally ready to get back on court.

“The goal for her was not to get so much attention and the result in the end is she gets more attention. Hopefully she can find a way to work with it because we all want the best for her,” said Jarkko. Fans will be hoping that she finds a way to make a comeback soon.

The second seed will play her first-round match tomorrow at 7:30 am IST.

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