The way those in power reacted wasn’t good: Lewis Hamilton on Naomi Osaka’s French Open withdrawal
The 23-year-old four-time Grand Slam winner withdrew from the tournament on Monday. Naomi Osaka in action during round one of French Open 2021 | AFP
Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton hailed Naomi Osaka’s “bravery” for pulling out of the French Open after the fallout over her decision to not engage with media and criticised the way Roland Garros handled the issue.
The 23-year-old four-time Grand Slam winner withdrew from the tournament on Monday after being fined and threatened with disqualification for not honouring mandatory media commitments, claiming they were detrimental to her mental health.
A controversial post-match interview followed her first Australian Open win
She was also caught in a racism row over a cartoon in a Melbourne newspaper
The star was criticised at this year s Australian Open for post-match comments
Her decision to avoid post-match press conferences cost her US$15,000 in fines
Ms Osaka has now opted to quit the Roland Garros French Open instead