Boris Becker has criticised Naomi Osaka’s decision to withdraw from the French Open and now pull-out of Wimbledon citing mental health concerns.
The current World No 2 Osaka had withdrew from the two Grand Slams due to pressure she faced during mandatory press conferences.
ALSO READ: Wimbledon 2021 – Day 1 serves up huge upsets
Becker however has lashed out against the four-time Grand Slam champion.
“Is that really pressure?” the German said to The Times.
“Isn’t it pressure when you don’t have food on the table? When you’ve got to feed your family and you don’t have a job? When you have a life-changing injury? Isn’t that more pressure?
Upgrade your serve with our FREE guide
“You’re 23, you’re healthy, you’re wealthy, your family is good. Where is the f******g pressure?”
The Japanese had announced her decision via social media to boycott the mandatory press conferences at the French Open just days before the tournament started. Osaka copped a fine of $15,000 for missing the press conference after her first round win.
ALSO READ: Matteo Berrettini fumes over unfair French Open treatment
However, the four Grand Slams issued a statement claiming that repeated infractions by missing the interactions may result in the player being defaulted from the tournament. Organisers are said to have attempted to get in touch with Osaka but without success.
ALSO READ: Nick Kyrgios finds his match in mixed doubles for Wimbledon
The player, who earned over $50 million in endorsements last year according to Forbes, decided to withdraw from Roland Garros instead.
She also decided to pull-out from the ongoing Wimbledon Championships.
The talented youngster’s four Grand Slam titles have come at the hard court events, two each at the Australian Open and US Open.
ALSO READ: Indy de Vroome in Wimbledon fashion controversy
She has failed to go past the third round in both the French Open and Wimbledon.
The people that do things they don’t like, because it increases their pay, aren’t heroes, are whores.