Naomi Osaka received support from several athletes on Thursday but was slammed by French Tennis Federation (FFT) President Gilles Moretton after saying she would not attend news conferences at this year's French Open.

Having said that the nature of the questions puts an undue burden on players' mental health, the four-time Grand Slam champion was supported by rival Iga Swiatek's sports psychologist. Retired Formula One champion Nico Rosberg, former tennis player Zina Garrison and British sprinter Dina Asher-Smith also lent support to Osaka.

"I think it’s quite a ballsy step again from her," Rosberg said. "I can understand because when I was on my way to the championship ... I switched everything off. No media, no news, no emails."