World runner-up Naomi Osaka refused to attend press conferences during the French Open in May and then broke off the tournament.
After that, she took a break from tennis but was back just in time for the Olympics in Tokyo.
Last night, Swedish time, she held her first press conference in a long time when she will play the Cincinnati Open tournament.
A reporter asked Osaka how she sees that she does not like press conferences but at the same time needs the media for her commitments outside the tennis court.
"Not quite sure how to balance"
She asked the reporter to clarify the question, but then answered in detail.
- In this issue, I can not speak for everyone, but only for myself, but since I was younger, the media has been very interested in me and I think it depends on both my background and how I play.
I am primarily a tennis player, which is why many are interested in me.
I can not do anything about the fact that some things I tweet or say create many articles.
- But I must also say that I am not entirely sure how to balance everything.
I'll find out at the same time as you.
"Terrible behavior"
During the following question, Osaka then burst into tears and took a few minutes break in the press conference before continuing.
Her agent Stuart Duguid criticizes the reporter who asked the question.
"Everyone who was there will agree that his tone was completely wrong.
Terrible behavior ", he writes in a statement.
"The insinuation that Naomi's success is off the field thanks to the media is a myth."
In addition to Osaka, gymnastics star Simone Biles has also recently talked about pressure and mental illness.
She also withdrew several competitions during the Olympics in Tokyo.