"naomi-osaka"

Naomi Osaka withdrew from Roland Garros after she was fined USD 15,000 for skipping the postmatch news conference after her first-round victory at the French Open

The four-time major champion and No. 2-ranked player was fined $15,000 when she didn't speak to reporters after her first-round victory at Roland Garros on Sunday.

It is with great disappointment that I announce my withdrawal from Roland Garros. During my post-match press requirements on Sunday I fell and hurt my ankle. Unfortunately, after an MRI and much discussion with my team

"I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not idea and my message could have been clearer."

The Japanese player had defeated Romania's Patricia Maria Tig 6-4 7-6 (7-4) late on Sunday but did not turn up to face media.

The French Open is scheduled to begin on Sunday in Paris. Osaka heads into the clay-court tournament ranked No. 2 in the world.

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Osaka has now won a staggering 23 consecutive matches as she eased past Mertens after just under an hour and a half of play.

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"Then I sort of eased my way into it. For me, I think the biggest thing is just having fun and it's the first day having the crowd in a while ... it's always an honour to play her. I just didn't want to go out like really bad, so I just wanted to try my best."

Osaka also played excellent defense, such as in the final game, when she raced forward to chase down a drop shot, flicking a backhand cross-court for a winner.

Osaka defeated Spain's Garbine Muguruza 6-4, 4-6, 7-5 in the fourth round at the Rod Laver Arena to make it to the quarterfinals.

No. 3-ranked Osaka pulled out of her Gippsland Trophy semifinal against Elise Mertens, citing a "niggling injury."