Gilles Moretton Destroyed for Naomi Osaka Press Conference
French Tennis Federation president Gilles Moretton got absolutely destroyed on social media for his handling of the Naomi Osaka press conference situation. And he deserved every bit of it.
Osaka withdrew from the French Open after announcing she would skip press conferences to protect her mental health. Instead of showing any understanding Moretton and other officials threatened fines and expulsion.
The Guardian covered the controversy and the backlash against tournament officials.
The statement from French Open leadership was cold bureaucratic and completely tone deaf. When an athlete says theyre struggling mentally the response shouldnt be threats.
Sports leadership frequently fails to understand that athletes are human beings with needs beyond their performance value.
Osaka is one of the biggest stars in tennis. Her presence sells tickets and generates coverage. Alienating her over press conferences seems strategically stupid even setting aside the ethical failure.
The broader conversation about athlete mental health gained momentum from this incident. Other players supported Osaka. The sport had to reckon with its demands on players.
Moretton eventually softened his stance but the damage was done. His initial response revealed priorities that put media obligations above human welfare.
Controversy May 2021
