Sorry and sad: French tennis chief on Naomi Osaka’s French Open withdrawal

French tennis federation president Gille Moretton admitted Monday he “was sorry and sad” that Naomi Osaka had decided to withdraw from Roland Garros.

“We are sorry and sad for Naomi Osaka that she has withdrawn from the tournament,” said Moretton.

The 23-year-old Japanese star was fined $15,000 on Sunday and threatened with disqualification after she refused to carry out a mandatory news conference following her first round win.

Also read: French Open embraces cancer survivor Carla Suarez Navarro

Osaka said she had decided against taking part in any media activity to safeguard her mental health.

Moretton had said on the eve of the tournament that Osaka’s decision not to attend mandatory press conferences was a “phenomenal error”.

“We wish her the best and the quickest possible recovery,” Moretton added as he read out a prepared statement without taking questions.

“We look forward to having Naomi in our tournament next year.

“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.”