‘Not Gonna Have That Meanness Win’ – Serena Williams’ Forthright Advice to Naomi Osaka After Indian Wells Heckling Incident

Serena Williams spent above two decades reigning on top of the tennis world. Starting her career in 1995 as a pro, the American has seen different types of people and even shift in her form. The experienced one shared her thoughts over the recent Naomi Osaka heckling incident. at Indian Wells. The American star was talking to Bloomberg on various topics and gave her views on the fan’s awkward comment. 

Naomi Osaka faces heckling in the Indian Wells 2022

Four-time grand slam winner Naomi Osaka had a bad start to the 2022 season as she lost her third-round match against Amanda Anisimova in the inaugural slam. She took a break for a while and participated in Indian Wells, but a drunken fan made her experience very painful. 

She was playing her second- round match in California but a particular fan shouted at her, “Naomi you suck”. Though Osaka got fan support from other spectators, she was visibly upset about and it cost her the entire match against Veronika Kudermetova.

Also Read: ‘She’s Going Through a Really Tough Time’: Serena Williams’ Coach Patrick Mouratoglou on Emma Raducanu’s Current Form

Serena Williams gave her insights on the incidence

When the interviewer at Bloomberg asked Serena Williams about the recent incident.

“Yeah, I saw that. I thought that everyone is different. I always say this, everyone is different. It’s sport. I know a lot of a people in sport, whether it’s football. I know, in basketball, I mean, shooting a free throw with all the noise and all the angry words of the fans.”

Serena’s comparison was spot on as basketball and football players also face similar heckling on many occasions. But, she insisted that it is part of the sport and players have to keep going in those adverse situations. 

The American legend continued, “I mean, I have been around when people have been really mean and you just kind of have to understand that that’s their opinion and just, it’s a free world and everyone will have their opinion.” Serena Williams further added that players need to keep their minds on the game and look to overcome it strongly. 

Also Read: ‘Counting Down the Days’ – Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian and Natalie Portman React in Joy After Their Soccer Club’s Historic Debut