To talk to the media or not, that is the question. At the French Open, Japanese player Naomi Osaka has opted to give media interviews a swerve. She will not be talking to the members of the press during the tournament. Just one problem; according to the Grand Slam Code of Conduct, she – and all players – are required to “fulfil their media obligations”.
… according to the Grand Slam Code of Conduct, she – and all players – are required to “fulfil their media obligations”
Had Ms Osaka issued a statement indicating that the pressure of playing in a Grand Slam was too much for her, and therefore she would be no longer be competing in them if they require media appearances, that would be one thing. But to merely cherry-pick which parts of the Grand Slam she was willing to participate in and which she was not is, or should be, a no go.
But to merely cherry-pick which parts of the Grand Slam she was willing to participate in and which she was not is, or should be, a no go.
Ms Osaka is not the only professional athlete or coach to dislike the media aspect of her sport. Several coaches in the NHL and NFL reluctantly appear before the media after a game. Often their disinclination to be there is embarrassingly evident by their smartass replies to questions. Grow up, this is the big leagues.
Like it or not Ms Osaka, you signed on for this when you turned pro and entered Grand Slam tournaments. It’s a package deal.
DCMontreal 
yes they may have agreed to a general idea. But given her explanation and the abusive nature of some reporters or social media experts I agree with her position!