‘Not in the Mix of That’ – Naomi Osaka Sidelines Herself in Player Conversations on Russia-Ukraine Crisis at Madrid Open 2022

Naomi Osaka is just following the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis in the news. Following an unpleasant start to the season, Osaka took a mid-season break before finally making a massive comeback at the Miami Open. Coming out as a runner-up in Miami, Osaka has now kicked off her clay run at the Madrid Open.

During her first-round press conference, Osaka was questioned whether she senses a palpable atmosphere amongst the players amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis.

Naomi Osaka expresses her view on the current atmosphere amongst players

Naomi Osaka has an introverted nature. The former World No. 1 in the past, has been vocal about how she doesn’t remain in a lot of touch with her fellow players. Her answer to this can also be seen as an example of that.

Answering the question, Osaka admitted she isn’t in contact with many players. She also hinted at a community amongst the players but confessed that she isn’t a part of it.

“I mean, to me, if I’m being 100% honest, I don’t really talk to a lot of players. So where there might be a community like between the Europeans, I’m kind of not really – I’m not in the mix of that,” she said.

Since the start of the tension between the two countries, several players have come forward expressing pain about the situation. Going through such pain, it wouldn’t be wrong to presume that these players must share their feelings with fellow players.

Going a step forward, there are also players who have come out upfront condemning the ongoing crisis. It is natural that these players also must be conversing amongst themselves.

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However, looking at Osaka, she admitted not being part of any such conversations. She rather confessed that she is just looking at it in the news. “So they are probably having really tough conversations among themselves, but for me, I’m kind of just looking at it in the news,” she said. “I don’t really know anyone who has relatives there, so I’m sure that’s really tough,” she added.

Osaka condemns the ongoing crisis

In the press conference, Naomi Osaka refrained from opening much about the ongoing crisis. However, Osaka was one of the first few players who expressed her concern over the crisis.

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Coming out in favor of Ukraine, Osaka wrote, “Sitting here looking at the news and I can’t believe what I’m seeing. It’s crazy to me that we live in a world that’s so extremely “out of sight out of mind”, I hope you know we’re thinking of you and praying for you.”

The ongoing crisis is undoubtedly a mental disturbance for the players on the tour. However, it hasn’t stopped them from competing. On Osaka’s front, she has kicked off her clay-court season at the Madrid Open. Winning the first round, she is now set to take on Spaniard, Sara Sorribes Tormo in the second round.