Djokovic backs Osaka’s media snub
Men’s world number one Novak Djokovic is the latest player
to come out in support of Naomi Osaka following her recent revelations and
withdrawal from the French Open.
Osaka revealed that she has suffered from serious bouts of depression and anxiety which led to her refusal to engage with media at Roland Garros.
Following the fall-out from her media snub, she withdrew from the competition at the conclusion of her first round match at the competition and has decided to take time away from the game.
Djokovic, who cruised through his first round clash in Paris, came out in full support of Osaka.
"I support her. I think she was very brave to do that," Djokovic said via AFP.
"I'm really sorry that she is going through painful times and suffering mentally, is what I have heard. This was, I must say, a very bold decision from her side.
"If she needs to take time and reflect and just recharge that's what she needed to do, and I respect it fully. I hope that she'll come back stronger."
A $15 000 fine was imposed on Osaka for revoking her media responsibilities in the French capital, however Djokovic sees a shift in the outlook on mainstream media at sports events.
"It used to be the (traditional media) was the only way we can reach out to our fans, right, in the last five years or maybe 10 years, it's not the case anymore," said Djokovic.
"We have our own platforms, our own social media accounts through which we are able to communicate directly with fans.
"Naomi, she's very young and she grew up with social media and ability to speak out through her channels."
