Naomi Osaka hit the headlines on Thursday when she announced that she would not attend any press conference at the upcoming French Open, citing mental illness.
The decision of the Japanese sensation has been widely criticized by many since participating in the press conferences is considered part of the job of a professional tennis player.
Novak Djokovic is currently in Belgrade, where he has been playing in the home tournament. The world number 1 was asked to comment on Naomi Osaka’s decision. Novak tried to stay as political as he could, but it was clear that he was in disagreement with Osaka’s decision to comment:
“Okay, she probably has her reasons why. I don’t know the WTA rules and the Grand Slam rules—whether they have to fine her or not, if she decides to avoid attending press conferences?
I’m not sure… I don’t know what to think about it, to be honest. 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. 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. I mean, that’s at least the case on the men’s side. I don’t know about the rules on the woman’s side. So that’s all I can say.”
Djokovic in Belgrade, ranking, and results in 2021
Ranked world no.1, Novak has a composed 18-3 match record in 2021. Novak is participating in Belgrade where he bested Mats Moraing 6-2 7-64 and Federico Coria 6-1 6-0.
Novak Djokovic will fight against the world no.119 Andrej Martin in the semifinal on Friday at 2:00 pm on CENTER COURT. In the past, they have never played each other until now in top events.
Djokovic has won 1 title in 2021 at the Australian Open. The Serbian got to the final in Rome (Internazionali BNL d’Italia).
Novak won 82 titles in his career: 48 on hard courts, 15 on clay courts, 13 on indoor courts and 6 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Naomi Osaka in 2021
Currently ranked no.2, Osaka played her last match on the 12th of May when she was defeated by world no.29 Jessica Pegula 7-6(2) 6-2 in the 2nd round in Rome (draw).
Presently, during this year Osaka has managed to achieve a composed 13-3 win-loss record. Naomi clinched 1 title at the Australian Open.
Novak Djokovic and Naomi Osaka |
| Embed from Getty Images |
