The glare of the tennis spotlight

Our readers have their say on Naomi Osaka, Sharjah, vaccinations and schools in Palestine

Japan's Naomi Osaka eyes the ball as she serves to Romania's Patricia Maria Tig during their women's singles first round tennis match on Day 1 of The Roland Garros 2021 French Open tennis tournament iShow more

The glare of the tennis spotlight

With reference to the report Naomi Osaka withdraws from French Open over media boycott controversy (May 31): how sad that she feels unable to focus solely on the game. I wonder why she can't have a spokesperson to handle the media appearances on her behalf.

Nicola Rage Hamilton, Abu Dhabi

She is not a natural public speaker. She should've been given the space and freedom to just play. Sad that a tennis player has had to withdraw because she feels denied permission to be herself – that is, a sportswoman.

Srinath Sambandan, Hyderabad, India

This is upsetting. She is there to play, not to be a speaker. An obsession with celebrity culture evidently does take a toll.

Ciprian Mancas, Dubai

Not all people are fluent speakers. Some stutter and stammer and their breathing can become irregular. These same people, however, can speak fluently when not observed by an audience. She is a super tennis player. I wonder, whether anyone really needs the post mortem after each game.

Wilna Horstmanshof, Abu Dhabi

Sharjah takes an impressive step

With regard to the article Sharjah Ruler raises minimum wage for Emiratis to Dh25,000 (May 31): A remarkable step.This is the UAE, where a better life for citizens is possible, and that is very impressive. The world could be a better place if all countries similarly strived to make life easier for their people.

Olatunji Olusegun, Ilorin, Nigeria

Vaccination in India's villages can't be solely through apps

With reference to the report India's death toll surpasses 300,000 even as Covid-19 dips in cities (May 24): India's Supreme Court has wisely asked the federal government how villagers will register for the vaccination given that applying for it requires an app on a smartphone. A vast number of people in India's villages do not own smartphones or computers.

For vaccines to reach them, camps will have to be set up. The electoral lists should be used to monitor and maintain a record of the completed vaccinations. Information from these rolls can later be transferred to the app, if required. Innoculation drives in the villages are important. The need to register on an app cannot be the hurdle. We must get our priorities straight.

Rajendra Aneja, Dubai

The sight of destroyed classrooms

With reference to the video on your Facebook page about the Palestinian pupil Mohammed Al Najjar seeing his destroyed school (June 1): God bless this brave boy. I feel for him and his classmates, to have to see their school in this shape. I wish them all the best and would like to convey to young Mohammed that he does have a chance at a bright future. My message to him is: continue studying hard and grow into an adult who supports universal peace.

Abraham Estacio, Quezon City, Philippines