USA Today via Reuters
Mar 29, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Naomi Osaka (JPN) waves to the crowd after her match against Danielle Collins (USA)(not pictured) in a women’s singles quarterfinal in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 29, 2022; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Naomi Osaka (JPN) waves to the crowd after her match against Danielle Collins (USA)(not pictured) in a women’s singles quarterfinal in the Miami Open at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Japanese player has made it to the news recently. It is because of her bold and honest take on her run in tennis. Naomi Osaka defended herself on the point that she wants to take a break from the sport to tackle the issues upfront. Along the same lines, in a recent interview, Osaka opened up about a famous gymnast. She talked about Simone Biles, who took a step back from her sport citing mental health reasons. Osaka showed her support for the American gymnast and supported her decision.
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The mental health of athletes has become a popular issue in recent times. And there has been a lot of debate around it lately.
Naomi Osaka opens up about the decision of Simone Biles?
Well, nothing is detached. If your mind is not in place, no professional or personal endeavor feels appealable. In a recent interview, the host brought up Simone Biles and how Osaka felt about her stepping back from the gymnasium.
via Getty
ARIAKE, TOKYO – AUGUST 3: Gymnast Simone Biles of Team United States gets ready to compete in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Women’s Gymnastics Balance Beam Final at Ariake Gymnastics Center on Tuesday, August 3, 2021. Biles won the bronze medal. (Photo by Toni L. Sandys/The Washington Post via Getty Images)
She thoughtfully said, “I thought that in that moment, it was really courageous of her.” She also added, “And I also think that everyone has different journeys and different paths and it’s all unique to us.”
Four-time Grand Slam singles champion @naomiosaka is here!
She's opening up about how she hopes to inspire young people with her new children’s book “The Way Champs Play," the journey to finding her voice and the new projects she's working on, including a skincare line. pic.twitter.com/1nZ522LOoN
— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) December 6, 2022
To show her solidarity with the Olympic star, she said, “I think that whatever she does, I am sure we all support her and I know that she has great intentions.”
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The decorated Olympic star has taken a break from her sport for a while and is striving to find a healthier balance. Meanwhile, she is recuperating by spending time with her loved ones.
Osaka boldly accepts her mental health stance
Naomi Osaka boldly defended her take on not being active on the court. She stated why would she push herself when she is not feeling well. Instead of not confronting and overcoming it, what is the point of letting it prevail? Such an embracing view of Osaka on her struggles is paving the way for the sensitization of mental health in the sports world.
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WATCH THIS STORY: When Serena Williams had a hilarious challenge for Naomi Osaka?s former coach
It might not be everyone’s favorite topic when it comes to tennis, but it is definitely one of the most important. The well-being of players does not only mean physical. Mental tenacity will prevail if an athlete feels at peace with his/her own mind.
