‘I Was Lucky Enough to Talk to Him’- Naomi Osaka Tributes Kobe Bryant for Helping Her During Difficult Times

Naomi Osaka, one of the best current generation players, with 4 Grand Slam titles so early in her career, have made huge strides in her career. However, the 24-year-old has also faced a lot of difficulties in her brief career so far. Apart from the glory she got as a player, the Japanese has suffered from mental health issues. She came forward and discussed it openly.

Osaka is the first Japanese player to win a Grand Slam title. While many young girls look up to her as a role model, Osaka once revealed who she looks up to as mentors in life.

Who are the mentors of Naomi Osaka? 

Speaking in an interview, Osaka revealed that she always looks up to her parents as her mentors. Remembering the difficulties they faced to raise her, Osaka said, “For me, my mentors would definitely be my parents. I have seen them go through so much, the difficulties of raising me and my sister and for me my mother, she’s such a strong woman.” 

She further elaborated on her mother, as her role model for women empowerment, “So when I think of female empowerment, I think of her a lot because she tends to try to tell us that she’s a strong middle-aged Asian woman. And she can do everything and stuff like that. So for me, my parents are definitely my role models.”

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Further, she also spoke about the importance of the Late Kobe Bryant as a mentor in her life.

“I also look up to and respect Kobe a lot. I remember I was lucky enough to talk to him in person and actually get his phone number and I would always ask him for advice. He would just be like the mentor that I needed at that time,” she added.

Osaka to be back in the action soon

Naomi Osaka has not played since her first-round exit from the French Open 2022. Currently, the 24-year-old is recovering from an injury. However, there’s good news for Osaka fans, as the former World number 1 is all set to make a comeback.

Osaka has officially entered the draws for Mubadala Silicon Valley Classics in San Jose. The tournament is a lead-up to the US Open scheduled later this year.

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It will be interesting to see how Osaka performs after the long injury break.