‘Your Image to Everybody Is Different From My Image’ – Naomi Osaka Engages in an Intense Conversation With Billie Jean King on How Media Treats Her

Naomi Osaka has overcome all odds to achieve tremendous success in her tennis career. Turning pro in 2013 as a 15-year-old, the Japanese tennis star has gone on to win four Grand Slam titles in her career to date. Moreover, she is one of the highest-paid players in the sport with her wide-ranging popularity across the globe.

However, she has had her fair share of difficult moments during her illustrious career. Last year, Osaka withdrew from the French Open after the first round owing to deteriorating mental health. Her move created a sort of revolution, with fellow players backing her during the tough times. Subsequently, she even pulled out of the Wimbledon Championships last year. Recently, she talked about facing media in today’s day and age.

Naomi Osaka gets into a conversation with Billie Jean King

Earlier this year, Billie Jean King sat down with Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrgios, and Mardy Fish to involve in a wide-ranging talk on multiple topics. During this conversation, Osaka was asked whether she felt obligated to speak to the press. Answering this question, Osaka said, “I mean I do feel obligated to speak to them because I’m conditioned like I’ve been doing that since I was 15.”

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Further, she added, “In my mind, I’m starting to question why, like I know it’s to grow this sport, it’s all these amazing things but I also feel like at some point, talking to us is a privilege and some people abuse that privilege like I’m sure what we feel is very different from what you (Billie Jean King) feel because maybe the energy of the reporters are a bit different. The perception of you is different from the perception of me, like your image to everybody is different from my image.”

Osaka skips the Wimbledon Championships 2022

Adding to her inconsistent form this year, the 24-year-old has been troubled by an Achilles injury. As a result, she has skipped the grass-court season, including the Wimbledon Championships.

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As has been the case throughout her career, Osaka will be determined to make a strong comeback in the upcoming tournaments, particularly the US Open.