via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 30: Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates against Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic during their Women’s Singles first round match on Day One of the 2021 US Open at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 30, 2021 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
via Getty
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 30: Naomi Osaka of Japan celebrates against Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic during their Women’s Singles first round match on Day One of the 2021 US Open at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 30, 2021 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
4-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka has always shown great sportsmanship on the court, irrespective of the result. Even during the interviews, she always presents herself as a humble person, trying to do her best on the tour. In the past, many fans and players praised the Japanese star for such traits.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
American tennis legend Chris Evert also praised her in 2019 for her ‘great’ attitude. According to her, not many players on the tour have such humility.
Chris Evert praised Naomi Osaka for her unique personality
The 18-time Grand Slam winner, Evert once took to Twitter in 2019 and said, “One great quality about @Naomi_Osaka_ when she loses… she nods her head with a slight smile, and she looks you in the eye…how many others do that?!“
Meanwhile, the former coach of Simona Halep, Darren Cahill, also commented on Evert’s post, as he talked about Halep and Venus Williams‘ unique personality traits as well. “well said. It’s also one of Simona’s great qualities. No difference in the handshake between winning and losing. Always respectful. Venus also the same,” Cahill said. Notably, Cahill was Halep’s coach at that time.
well said. It’s also one of Simona’s great qualities. No difference in the handshake between winning and losing. Always respectful. Venus also the same.
— Darren Cahill (@darren_cahill) March 24, 2019
It is worth noting that Osaka pulled out of the French Open in 2021, as she did not want to do any interviews, particularly at the press conference. After that, she took a long break from tennis, citing mental health issues. Later, she returned to the Olympics and the US Open. However, she did not look the same player as before.
Osaka is getting ready to play her first tournament after the French Open 2022
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
At the French Open this year, Osaka suffered a first-round exit, losing to her nemesis in recent seasons, Amanda Anisimova. Then she missed the Wimbledon Championships 2022 after suffering an Achilles injury. Notably, Osaka has now missed Wimbledon for two years in a row.
via Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – May 23, 2022 Japan’s Naomi Osaka reacts during her first round match against Amanda Anisimova of the U.S. REUTERS/Pascal Rossignol
Watch This Story: Michael Phelps, Naomi Osaka, Simone Biles, and Serena Williams’ daring steps that changed the world of sports
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
After a good amount of rest and rehabilitation, Osaka is getting ready to play her first tournament after the French Open. Earlier, she entered her name at the Rogers Cup, which will start on the 5th of August. It will be interesting to see if Osaka can regain her form after a disappointing 2022 season so far.
Can Osaka turn around her disappointing season during the upcoming hard court season?
