Wimbledon expect Naomi Osaka to play this month but will discuss her media obligations after mental health concerns
WIMBLEDON expect runaway Naomi Osaka to play this month – but will discuss her media requirements.
The Japan superstar, 23, withdrew from the French Open citing mental health concerns after refusing to speak to the worldwide media.
World No2 Osaka, who was fined £10,600 for skipping a press conference, has pulled out of the WTA Berlin tournament and returned home to LA.
Wimbledon refused to answer questions whether they regretted signing off the fine for Osaka – as part of the Grand Slam Board – or if indeed the tone was wrong.
AELTC CEO Sally Bolton said: “We’ve reached out to her team.
“At this point in time she is entered into the Championships and we haven’t received confirmation that she won’t compete.
“It’s really important that every player knows that our door is always open.
“We’re engaged with the Grand Slams and Tours, looking at considerations about how we can make improvements to media operations.”
Osaka has suffered depression since the infamous 2018 US Open final win over Serena Williams and decided to spend ‘some time away from the court now’ following her Roland Garros departure.
The four-time Grand Slam champion has never gone beyond round three at Wimbledon.
Tournament director Jamie Baker added: “I’ve had a conversation with her team.
“We are completely open for any discussions when they want to have that. Look, it goes without saying that we want the best players to compete here no matter what.”
Asked if Wimbledon would fine Osaka for not speaking to press during the SW19 event, Baker replied: “It is really hard to predict what may or may not happen in the future. It is a hypothetical.
“We’re completely open to a discussion. We treat every single player with a tremendous amount of care.”
Tickets for the June 28 event, will go on sale today at 1pm today but fans have to provide proof of Covid vaccination or a negative lateral flow test.
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The prize money pool will be reduced by almost £2milllion to £35m due to the global pandemic.
Former champions Andy Murray and Venus Williams – with seven titles between them – both received wildcards for the singles.
Spanish teenager Carlos Alcaraz and British trio Liam Broady, Jay Clarke and Jack Draper were also handed spots in the men’s singles main draw.
British players Jodie Burrage, Harriet Dart, Francesca Jones and Samantha Murray Sharan will all play in the first round of the ladies’ event after getting wildcards.
YOU'RE NOT ALONE
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
- CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
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- Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
- Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
- Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123