Naomi Osaka broke down during a recent press conference following a question from Cincinnati Enquirer columnist Paul Daugherty.
Daugherty's question wasn't initially picked up by microphones on the virtual press conference, although respected tennis reporter Ben Rothenberg later confirmed that it was a "fairly aggressively toned question" about how "she benefits from a high-media profile but doesn't like talking to media".
Tennis sensation Osaka did her best to keep her composure but the topic became all too much and she burst into tears before exiting the podium.
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After taking a moment to collect herself, she eventually returned to finish her press obligations.
It was actually one of Osaka's very first press conferences since her recent media hiatus to focus on her mental health.
Fellow reporter Rothenberg described the events as "deeply frustrating" for the portion of the media who are close with Osaka and are trying to regain her trust following her time away from the spotlight.
One person who was deeply angered by the press conference question was Osaka's agent who echoed Rothenberg's frustrations.
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"The bully at the Cincinnati Enquirer is the epitome of why player / media relations are so fraught right now," Stuart Duguid tweeted.
"Everyone on that Zoom will agree that his tone was all wrong and his sole purpose was to intimidate. Really appalling behaviour.
"And this insinuation that Naomi owes her off-court success to the media is a myth - don't be so self-indulgent."
Osaka has been a big advocate for mental health and has continued to use her platform to address it.
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The Japanese fan favourite took a break from competition earlier this year to focus on her own mental wellbeing before eventually returning to action to represent her country at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
As for Daugherty, the journalist behind the question, he is yet to respond to Duguid or other critics.
Featured Image Credit: Twitter/SCTopics: Tennis, Tennis news, Naomi Osaka, press conference, Mental Health, Australia
