The Japanese star arrives in the French capital aiming to secure a fifth Grand Slam crown and second in succession after winning the Australian Open.

But Osaka has announced she will not be carrying out her media duties at Roland Garros – scheduled to start tomorrow and run until June 13.

Osaka cited mental health concerns as the reason for the decision after watching many clips of athletes breaking down in media conferences after losing matches.

"I believe that whole situation is kicking a person while they’re down and I don’t understand the reasoning behind it," wrote Osaka in a statement posted on her social media accounts.

Facing fines of $20,000 (£14,000/€16,500) each time she fails to attend a mandatory postponed media conference, Osaka said she hoped that the "considerable amount" she anticipated accumulating in punishments would go toward a mental health charity.

The Women’s Tennis Association stressed that players have a "responsibility to their sport and their fans to speak to the media" and said it was keen to discuss issues with Osaka.

Her media boycott led to criticism from some with French Tennis Federation President Gilles Moretton describing the move as a "phenomenal error."

French Open tournament director Guy Forget also felt Osaka’s stance was "a bit clumsy on her part" and claimed it did not send out a positive message.

Several players have also added their voices to the debate with men’s world number one Novak Djokovic admitting facing the press can be "very unpleasant" but adding that it is "part of our life."

Women’s world number one Ashleigh Barty of Australia echoed the Serbian’s comments.

"We know what we sign up for as professional tennis players," said Barty.

"I can’t really comment on what Naomi is feeling or her decisions she makes.

"At times press conferences are hard of course but it’s also not something that bothers me."

Spanish star Rafael Nadal added: "I understand her, but for me without the press, without the people who are writing the news and achievements that we are having around the world probably we will not be the athletes that we are today."

Osaka is due to open proceedings on Court Phillipe-Chatrier tomorrow when she faces Romanian Patricia Maria Tig in the first round.

Poland’s Iga Świątek, who failed to lose more than four games in any set on her way to winning the French Open title last year, will begin her defence against Slovenian Kaja Juvan.

Nadal - who meets Australia's Alexei Popyrin in the opening round, will be aiming to secure an unprecedented 14th French Open crown and a 21st Grand Slam title, breaking the record he shares with Swiss great Roger Federer.

The Spaniard has been drawn in the same half as Djokovic and Federer who could meet in the quarter-finals.

Djokovic’s preparations have been boosted by winning the Belgrade Open in his home country as he bids to become French Open champion for the second time.

The tournament was originally due to run from May 23 to June 6 before being pushed back by one week in a bid to ensure as many fans as possible can attend.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a maximum of 1,000 fans will be allowed inside Roland Garros’ three show courts for the first 10 days before organisers plan to increase capacity to 5,000 for the quarter-finals, semi-finals and finals.

A total of 10 night session matches are scheduled to take place on Phillipe-Chatrier from Monday (May 31) to June 9 - when the quarter-finals are due to conclude - after new floodlights were installed at the arena.