French Open fines Naomi Osaka $15,000 for not speaking at tournament, warns of further consequences

The French Open warned four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka that if she continues to avoid the media that she "would be exposing herself to possible further Code of Conduct infringement consequences."

Osaka, the No. 2 seed at the tournament, did not speak after her match in the first round on Sunday, a 6-4, 7-6 (4) win over Patricia Maria Tig. She was promptly fined $15,000. 

"Naomi Osaka today chose not to honour her contractual media obligations. The Roland-Garros referee has therefore issued her a $15,000 fine, in keeping with article III H. of the Code of Conduct," the French Open said.

"The mental health of players competing in our tournaments and on the Tours is of the utmost importance to the Grand Slams."

Osaka could be subject to being kicked out of the tournament and "trigger of a major offence investigation that could lead to more substantial fines and future Grand Slam suspensions."

FILE – In this May 12, 2021 file photo, Naomi Osaka of Japan reacts after losing a point against Jessica Pegula of the United States during their match at the Italian Open tennis tournament, in Rome. Osaka's declaration that she won't participate in news conferences during the French Open is a natural topic for discussion on tournament media day in Paris. Other players say they understand Osaka's stance and respect her choice. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino, File) (Photo: The Associated Press)

Osaka announced that the she would not be speaking at Roland Garros, saying that it was a mental health issue, which creates a self-doubt with players who are forced to talk to the media after a loss.

OPINION: It's time to accept that Naomi Osaka is human before she's an athlete

The official Twitter account of Roland Garros deleted a tweet, which posted a photo of other athletes participating in their media responsibilities. A caption read, "They understood the assignment."

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