NAOMI Osaka has announced her withdrawal from the French Open, the day after the world No 2 was fined $15,000 (£10,570) for refusing to attend press conferences.
The four-times grand slam champion announced last week that she would not carry out media duties in Paris due to their effects on her mental health. Osaka did speak to media courtside after her first-round win over Patricia Maria Tig, but did not attend a post-match press conference.
Osaka’s actions led to a fine and a stern warning from all four grand slam tournaments that continuing to “ignore her media obligations” could lead to “default from the tournament” and “future grand slam suspensions.”
The Japanese player now appears to have pulled out of the event in response. “I think the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing
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