- Osaka said she will not conduct media duties
- Barty: ‘It’s not something that’s ever fazed me’
The fallout from Naomi Osaka’s announcement that she will not be conducting her mandatory media duties at the French Open this year due to its effects on her mental health has continued at Roland Garros. Rafael Nadal, Ashleigh Barty and Daniil Medvedev were all asked to discuss Osaka’s comments during the pre-tournament media day.
Nadal, trying to win his 14th Roland Garros title over the next fortnight, affirmed his “respect” for Osaka and her decision while arguing for the importance of the press in promoting sports: “I respect it,” said Nadal. “I respect her, of course, as an athlete and her personality. I respect her decision. I don’t know. I mean, we as sports people, I mean, we need to be ready to accept the questions and to try to produce an answer, no?
