Naomi Osaka

[EastDerehamO]

Wondering what people’s views are on the Naomi Osaka situation.

Summarising she’s the current world number two in female tennis, was fined by the authorities for not doing the obligatory press conference following her first match in the French Open, threatened with expulsion and exclusion from other majors if she persisted, so she has quit the French Open citing mental health issues exacerbated by having to deal with the media.

While I accept the view some have stated that there’s a lot more money in tennis now because of TV rights, media coverage etc, I do have some sympathy for her, for it seems it’s no longer enough to be a top sportsperson in some sports, but one also has to be able to directly handle the media too. That instinctively feels wrong to me, for we’re no longer looking for the best sports people but ones who are obliged to handle the pressure of media press conferences as well. By all means make it optional with a payment for doing them, I don’t have a problem with that, but obligatory with threat of expulsion for non-compliance seems bullying and wrong.

For football managers who have to be communicators it’s probably not such a big ask, but for some individual sportspeople it clearly is. Don’t think the authorities have come out well on this.

[Long slender neck]

From what i read, she doesn't want to do media when she loses. That comes across as a little immature to me.

[The Mindsweep]

From what i read, she doesn't want to do media when she loses. That comes across as a little immature to me.

Read more about it. She is suffering from mental health issues, part of which is around these media interviews. I support her 100%

[Top of the JES]

Difficult one. She’s at the top of her profession and there is no avoiding the media, I hope she finds some help and a coping mechanism because the media can be merciless if they sense a weakness. If she’s struggling when her career is taking off things could potentially get a lot worse when she’s struggling with her game.

[SouthStandPete]

If Ms Osaka wants to earn the big $$$ in prize money at the big tournaments then she needs to do her bit in promoting the game. That means helping journalists write some stories. A short press conference is not asking much.

[Ornchurch]

I feel for her but she just needs to study our footballers to learn how to give the most bland and answers to questions so that she can fulfil her media responsibilities.

[Dohnut]

I feel for her but she just needs to study our footballers to learn how to give the most bland and answers to questions so that she can fulfil her media responsibilities.

Some coaching in that area would no doubt help her cope. Content should not be an issue, talking about a sport and game she is totally involved with. But I do sympathies, some people are just not cut out to be in front of a microphone. Can be terrifying.

But sadly, in this day and age media is part of the process that promotes the sport that pays the prize money. A few minutes chat is not too much to ask

[tuffers#1]

She should just employ someone to answer
the questions for her . I dont see a need to hear
all the details surrounding a solitary sports person
In a game about individualism .

Its very different to Team Sports , where they can
give a proper insight into things

[Top of the JES]

She should just employ someone to answer
the questions for her.

She can't Tuffers it's contractual that they have to go to a press conference after a match win or lose.

[Fisch]

I thought she ducked the press having just won her match, no?
Whatever, my guts tell me she ought to learn how to deal with this, she is in entertainment industry and seeks success, fame and fortune. However, if she were my daughter I'd probably argue the exact opposite.

I would like to hear Martin Ling's take on this?

[KVN]

It's sad she has problems which are not as respected as physical health. But if she had a physical injury she might not have gone to the tournament so leaving it sounds like a healthy decision.
But I do agree she is in the sports entertainments industry and the financial rewards are related to sponsorships and media promotion. She may need to learn coping mechanisms or pick a less high profile job.
Maybe a practical solution like prescripted options or an earpiece giving her advise.

[KVN]

From what i read, she doesn't want to do media when she loses. That comes across as a little immature to me.

It does seem that good press is okay but bad press is the end of the world. It is like the #Me Me Me movement.

[Real Al]

Just slag of the tournament sponsor at the press conference. They'll soon stop asking her.

[KVN]

But then she might lose sponsorship money if she gets a bad reputation. Wait till she starts complaining she is getting abuse on her social media.

[Beradogs]

If she had depression she would not be able to play tennis. Sounds like another millennial who needs a safe space.

[KVN]

The press are going to destroy her everytime she loses

[tuffers#1]

She should just employ someone to answer
the questions for her.

She can't Tuffers it's contractual that they have to go to a press conference after a match win or lose.

It is contractual to go .
Is it contractual to speak ?

If it is that then it is not possible
If it is only to go, then why not get someone else to speak

[KVN]

She should just employ someone to answer
the questions for her.

She can't Tuffers it's contractual that they have to go to a press conference after a match win or lose.

It is contractual to go .
Is it contractual to speak ?

If it is that then it is not possible
If it is only to go, then why not get someone else to speak

I am not critising, but dont they want to hear from the star palyers and what if they all send someone else out. What ever they do now is for the whole of the sport.

[Sid Bishop]

She should just employ someone to answer
the questions for her . I dont see a need to hear
all the details surrounding a solitary sports person
In a game about individualism .

Its very different to Team Sports , where they can
give a proper insight into things

Perhaps for just this tournament they could have allowed someone to stand in for her as her spokesperson.
Seems like other tournaments are also going to insist on her communication pre and after matches otherwise she cant play.
Perhaps she needs some time out of the game and if she does come back, then just give short and brief interviews until/ if she wishes to do fuller interviews.

[tuffers#1]

She can't Tuffers it's contractual that they have to go to a press conference after a match win or lose.

It is contractual to go .
Is it contractual to speak ?

If it is that then it is not possible
If it is only to go, then why not get someone else to speak

I am not critising, but dont they want to hear from the star palyers and what if they all send someone else out. What ever they do now is for the whole of the sport.

We dont hear from Bielsa at Leeds technically .
We trust an interpreter is giving us
Exactly what is being said .

David Mooney " The Manager was screaming & shouting for 2 minutes "
The interpreter " The manager is not happy " .

Do we really need to know if a player is satisfied they won or lost a Match ?
Its pretty self explanatory really & is just filling on a tv schedule .

[tuffers#1]

She should just employ someone to answer
the questions for her . I dont see a need to hear
all the details surrounding a solitary sports person
In a game about individualism .

Its very different to Team Sports , where they can
give a proper insight into things

Perhaps for just this tournament they could have allowed someone to stand in for her as her spokesperson.
Seems like other tournaments are also going to insist on her communication pre and after matches otherwise she cant play.
Perhaps she needs some time out of the game and if she does come back, then just give short and brief interviews until/ if she wishes to do fuller interviews.

Is it really needed though Sid .
Are you Happy you won ? Yes
Are you happy you lost ? No .

After a semi final/Final maybe , but whats the rest of it for ?
Filler for the airwaves

[Sid Bishop]

She should just employ someone to answer
the questions for her . I dont see a need to hear
all the details surrounding a solitary sports person
In a game about individualism .

Its very different to Team Sports , where they can
give a proper insight into things

Perhaps for just this tournament they could have allowed someone to stand in for her as her spokesperson.
Seems like other tournaments are also going to insist on her communication pre and after matches otherwise she cant play.
Perhaps she needs some time out of the game and if she does come back, then just give short and brief interviews until/ if she wishes to do fuller interviews.

Is it really needed though Sid .
Are you Happy you won ? Yes
Are you happy you lost ? No .

After a semi final/Final maybe , but whats the rest of it for ?
Filler for the airwaves

Twitter, sponsorship, media, massive prizes for the top players, sport has changed so much, it is what it is. She should take some time out of the game and consider her way forward.

[KVN]

She wouldnt survive in this forum.

[jamespevans]

It's probably easier to go with the opposite of what Piers Morgan thinks. You're pretty much on solid ground then.

[KVN]

She wouldn't survive Piers Morgan either.