Hantuchova slams Osaka's issues with press conferences: "It is the least any player can do for the tournament"

Daniela Hantuchova believes that press conferences are the least that players can do when it comes to being tennis stars and has said that Naomi Osaka's stance on it is hard to justify.

Speaking to Tennis365 ahead of the US Open, she discussed the relationship between players and the media and how it's all part of the tag as professional athletes.

“Press conferences are part of the job, that is why we are called professional athletes,” Hantuchova said to Tennis365.

“When you enter a tournament, it’s like saying I will play but only if my opponent plays to my backhand. Or I don’t feel like serving today, so I’m just going to return.

“It’s a little bit disrespectful to the tournaments, I would say, especially these days when we know how much it takes to run any event after what has happened the last two years.

“The least you can do as a professional athlete in any sport is to show up for a press conference. It’s not rocket science for half and hour or an hour to talk about what you have just done and a sport you love.

“If you want to take some pressure away, probably the best way to do that is not to be on social media to start with.

“All the players have so many things to deal with off the court and it is just part of life.

“If you need, I personally wouldn’t share that with the world, but if you do, I would seek professional help and maybe go away from the tour and the sport for a little bit to get some perspective and appreciation again.

“The spotlight she (Osaka) has got on her cannot be easy, but doing the press conference is the least any player can do for the tournament.”