French Open 2021: Naomi Osaka faces default from Grand Slam for refusing to speak to media

I think she does, the media sometimes can be unkind especially if the player has lost.

If it’s in the contract to speak to the media, then she should. Surely that’s the point of a contract? If you aren’t happy with the terms, you don’t sign up for it.

I agree Calendargirl. She should have thought about that beforehand.

Indeed, there is a difference between signing up to give interviews as part of the competition rules and being interviewed, for example, on Newsnight where you can always get up and walk out if you are unhappy - and others have! (e.g. John Knott during the Falklands War).

I'm not aware of any unduly aggressive interviewing of sports personalities and, having sat through their matches, it is interesting for the audience, IMO, to hear their 'take' on the match.

I’m glad that not all participants in this great Tournament are so unforthcoming.

Recently Rafa Nadal was in a Tournament where he lost. In the audience was a woman in her 80s who had the start of dementia. She said to her grandson that before she lost all her memory of tennis and her favourite player Rafa, she wanted to see him play. The grandson emailed Rafa with this story who graciously met her directly after his defeat and absolutely made her day. I have cut the photo out of him at way over 6 foot and her at 5 foot in deep conversation. It was a very moving photo.

Now that is what a true sportsperson is. ?

No as surely if they don't want to answer a question they don't have to. It's interesting to hear their thoughts after the match win or lose. She's a bit awkward anyway with interviews.

NanKate

I’m glad that not all participants in this great Tournament are so unforthcoming.

Recently Rafa Nadal was in a Tournament where he lost. In the audience was a woman in her 80s who had the start of dementia. She said to her grandson that before she lost all her memory of tennis and her favourite player Rafa, she wanted to see him play. The grandson emailed Rafa with this story who graciously met her directly after his defeat and absolutely made her day. I have cut the photo out of him at way over 6 foot and her at 5 foot in deep conversation. It was a very moving photo.

Now that is what a true sportsperson is. ?

But….that’s not the same thing. At all.

Her excuse was ridiculous.
She is a professional sportswoman who is well aware of her contractual obligations, so all this comment about fearing the interview could damage her mental health is nonsense.

If she is that flakey she is in the wrong job.

Off piste.... but I love Rafa.

So do I even though I find the shorts thing a bit irritating.

If you sign a contract and are happy to take the € then you also have to adhere to said contractual obligations.