Ash Barty pulled into Osaka drama
An American journalist has dragged World No. 1 Ash Barty into the current drama surrounding Naomi Osaka, claiming that Barty's press conferences are proof of racial bias within the media.
Osaka withdrew from the French Open on Tuesday morning after boycotting press conferences during the Open sparked controversy.
Osaka revealed that she would be taking some time away from tennis to focus on her mental health.
New York reporter Chris Spargo believes otherwise, saying that the issue stems from much more than Osaka's mental health.
“Take a look at the questions Ash Barty is asked in a post-match interview as compared to Naomi Osaka,” Spargo wrote in a now-deleted tweet. “Same journalists, same tournament.
“This is just as much about race as it is about mental health, be it Venus, Serena or Naomi in the press room.”
In the transcript, Barty was asked "Is thet hte best start you think you've had to a grand slam?" and "You're playing so well, what's the next step?" whereas Osaka was asked "You looked a bit nervous" and "Why was it intimidating to see Serena Williams on the other side of the net?".
However, the transcript doesn't mention that Barty's questions were different due to her defeating Montenegrin Danka Kovinic 6-0 6-0 whereas Osaka's questions came after defeating Serena Williams, her tennis idol growing up.
Spargo pointed out that he had to delete the tweet due to "ignorant and racist responses".