Committed to Improving Players' Experience: French Open Chief
World number 2 Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the 2021 French Open.
Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the 2021 French Open.
(Photo: PTI)
French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton said he is expecting Naomi Osaka to return to Roland Garros next year after the Japanese world No. 2 withdrew from the clay-court Grand Slam tournament on Monday.
"We are sorry and sad for Naomi Osaka. The outcome of Naomi withdrawing from Roland Garros is unfortunate," said Moretton in a short press conference.
The 23-year-old Naomi had defeated Romania's Patricia Maria Tig on Sunday, but did not turn up to face media. This prompted the organisers to fine her $15,000 and be warned that she faced expulsion from Grand Slam tournaments if she continued to do so.
Moretton had earlier termed Naomi's decision to not attend the presser a 'phenomenal error'.
However, he told the media that the tournament remains committed to athletes' well-being and improvement in players' experience, including with the media.
"As all the Grand Slams, the WTA, the ATP, and the ITF, we remain very committed to all athletes' well-being and to continually improving every aspect of players' experience in our tournament, including with the media, like we have always strived to do," added Moreton.
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