"I can say that I can understand Naomi" - McEnroe on Osaka's media stance

A lot has been made in recent months about Naomi Osaka's refusal to do post match press conferences/media with different players having differing view points on the matter.

For John McEnroe though, he is firmly behind Osaka in this instance and admitted that he didn't respect those who asked stupid questions in particular after big moments in the sport.

"When I was 18 and I made my debut at Wimbledon center my legs were shaking and I remember losing the first set against Connors even before I entered the field.

"It was absurd to confront Connors but it was even more absurd to meet the media at the conference afterwards, which made me very nervous. Precisely for this reason I can say that I can understand Naomi Osaka and her recent problems with the press.

"I always respected the media and I really cared about what I said and what they asked me, I didn't care about those few who asked me stupid questions just to sell a few more copies of the newspaper. In general, I'm always on Naomi's side, I want to see her grow up and I think girls like her can only do the good of this sport."