French Open 2021: Naomi Osaka called out for media boycott by Rafa Nadal and Ash Barty

Ash Barty and Rafa Nadal delivered a frank assessment of Naomi Osaka’s media boycott with the world No 2 becoming increasingly isolated in her stance.

Rafael Nadal and Ash Barty have added their voices to criticism of Naomi Osaka’s media boycott at the French Open.

While both stars were diplomatic in their feedback, Nadal said “we will not be the athletes that we are today” without the press.

Osaka is becoming increasingly isolated over her decision to boycott all French Open press commitments.

The world No 2 caused a stir at Roland Garros by announcing that she will refuse to carry out any media activity at the tournament, claiming she fears the effect of them on her mental health.

The four-time major winner believes the traditional post-match inquests are akin to “kicking people when they are down”.

Nadal, the 13-time French Open champion, explained that even though he respected Osaka’s decision, media coverage has driven the success of the sport.

“I understand her, but for me without the press, without the people who are writing the news and achievements that we are having around the world probably we will not be the athletes that we are today.

“We won’t have the recognition that we have around the world, and we will not be that popular.”

Osaka, the world number two, risks fines of up to $20,000 for skipping news conferences at the French Open which starts on Sunday.

SAM GROTH: OSAKA’S MEDIA BAN A ‘SLAP IN THE FACE’ TO TENNIS

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Novak Djokovic, left, and Rafael Nadal after the final of the Men's Italian Tennis Open. Picture: Filippo MONTEFORTE/AFP

Switzerland's Roger Federer is the No. 8 seed for the French Open. Picture: Fabrice COFFRINI/AFP

The 23-year-old’s closest rival and 2019 French Open winner Ashleigh Barty said carrying out media duties is part and parcel of the job.

“We know what we sign up for as professional tennis players,” the 25-year-old Australian said.

“I can’t really comment on what Naomi is feeling or her decisions she makes. At times press conferences are hard of course but it’s also not something that bothers me.

“I’ve never had problems answering questions. It’s not something that’s ever fazed me too much.

“And it certainly doesn’t keep me up at night what I say and hear or what you guys ask me.” French Tennis Federation (FFT) president Gilles Moretton lambasted Osaka. “It is a phenomenal mistake and it shows to what extent it is necessary to have strong governance,” he said Thursday.

Ash Barty after winning the French Open in 2019. Picture: Martin BUREAU/AFP

“What is happening is not, in my opinion, acceptable. It is tennis we want to promote.” Defending champion Iga Swiatek, who is close to Osaka, said she is happy to speak to the press.

“It’s important because not everybody is a professional athlete and not everybody knows what we are dealing with on court. It’s good to speak about that,” said the Pole who turns 20 on Monday.

However, she also believes it’s crucial to have a support system to “separate you from hate or something”.

World number two Daniil Medvedev could be forgiven for having a rocky relationship with the media thanks to a French Open record for four matches played, four matches lost.

“I try always to come to press conference bad mood or good mood,” said the 25-year-old Russian on Friday.

“And I feel like even sometimes in the bad mood I can be in a better mood after talking to you guys.”

BARTY READY TO ROCK

By Scott Gullan

Ash Barty has shrugged off any injury concerns and declared she is “flying” ahead of her return to the scene of her breakthrough Grand Slam victory.

The 2019 French Open champion had a minor scare in her final lead-up tournament when she was forced to retire mid-match because of an arm injury.

But there have been no issues over the past week which is why the world No.1 is confident about her return to the clay of Roland Garros.

“It is an injury with my arm that we have had to manage over a number of years now,” Barty said. “We know how to manage it which is a good thing, being able to work through those first few days was really important.

“From late last week there was not a lot of focus, not a lot of concern about it. We managed it right to start off with and now we’re flying so there are certainly no issues from our end.

“We’re excited to be here back in Paris, excited to be fit and healthy and ready to go.”

Despite being forced to retire in the quarter-finals in Rome two weeks ago against US teenager Cori Gauff, the Queensland described her clay court preparation as “exceptional”.

Barty claimed the title in Stuttgart and reached the final in Madrid where she lost to Aryna Sabalenka.

“It has been really good, it has been an exceptional preparation and each tournament has been a challenge in itself,” she said.

Ashleigh Barty is feeling great ahead of the French Open

“Each tournament has been unique with the conditions and who I have played. Now I am in Paris it is no different even though it is a Grand Slam.

“I don’t really approach it any differently, I’m trying to go about it each day and play my opponent as best I can and not get too worked up about it.”

Barty has never played her first-round opponent 70th-ranked American Bernarda Pera with the draw getting potentially tricky from there with Australian Open finalist Jennifer Brady or Gauff potentially awaiting in the fourth round.

If she makes it to the second week Barty would then likely be looking at a match-up against fifth seed Elina Svitolina in the quarters before a date with defending champion Iga Swiatek — who could face a fourth round test against Garbine Muguruza — in the semis.

The Australian decided against defending her title last year after deciding to remain home because of the COVID-19 pandemic and has been surprised at the changes to the lay-out of Roland Garros.

“It is completely different, it honestly feels like 2019 was a lifetime ago,” Barty said. “A lot of the site has changed, it has adjusted in some of the structural stuff, some courts have just disappeared, the bull ring is gone and a few other bits and bobs.

“It feels like a completely new tournament, a completely fresh tournament which in my opinion is great. It’s a clean slate, a fresh start and of course we take on the memories and the experiences from 2019 but it’s a fresh tournament.

“And we have to be ready from that first ball and we’re excited for it.”

Originally published as French Open 2021: Naomi Osaka called out for media boycott by Rafa Nadal and Ash Barty