World No.12 Petra Kvitova says she ‘doesn’t get’ the decision by Naomi Osaka to not conduct any press conferences during the French Open.
Earlier in the week Osaka issued a statement on social media confirming that she will not be interacting with the press in Paris due to ‘mental health concerns.’ The reigning US Open and Australian Open champion says that she has witnessed incidents where reporters showed ‘no regards’ to an athlete’s mental health. Adding that she doesn’t want to be subjected to questions from those who may be doubting her.
31-year-old Kvitova, who made her Grand Slam debut at the French Open back in 2008, has a somewhat different view to that of her rival. Speaking to reporters in Paris on Saturday the Czech said media commitments are part of the job as a tennis player. Echoing similar comments that have been previously made by Novak Djokovic.
“I really didn’t get it,” said Kvitova. “ I mean, this is the part of our lives which we have to deal with the media, with sponsors, with everybody. It’s not only that we play tennis, but this is just part of our lives and careers that we have to talk with you (the media).
“It’s her decision, of course. If it’s really bothering her mental side, I totally agree and understand.” She added.
Osaka has already said she is willing to pay fines for not fulfilling her commitments which could be as much as $20,000 for every press conference missed. It is unclear if her boycott will also include the standard practice of answering questions on court following any match she wins.
“I faced many tough questions in my career. Sometimes I cried, as well,” Kvitova continued.
“Sometimes when you’re really sad and you’ve get some bad question, but it’s how it is. I know that we (the players) can always say, like, “no comment” or we just don’t want to answer. That’s how I feel it (about the topic).
“That’s her (Osaka’s) thing, for sure. On the other side I’m glad that I see you guys (the media). So that’s important.”
This year will be Kvitova’s 12th main draw appearance at the French Open where she is bidding to go one stage further than last year when she reached the semi-finals. Overall she has won 28 matches at Roland Garros which is more than the Australian Open.
So fast this season Kvitova has reached back-to-back quarter-finals at clay-court events in Stuttgart and Madrid. Although she fell in three sets to Vera Zvonareva in the second round of the Italian Open.
Kvitova will play her first round match against Greet Minnen on Sunday. On the same day Osaka takes on Patricia Maria Țig.
