Naomi Osaka is a true champion. The former world number one left an indelible mark with her racket on the court. Off the court, Osaka affected lives positively by advocating for mental health. Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps is one such person on whom Osaka’s words had a lasting impact.
Osaka has always been open about her struggles with mental health. In doing so, Naomi helped destigmatize the subject and opened the doors for others to follow suit.
Naomi confessed that she has had to grapple with depression and anxiety since winning the US Open in 2018. These issues affected her so much that they started interfering with her obligations as a player, like participating in press conferences. When her conditions did not improve, Naomi withdrew from the French Open in 2021.
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At the time, the four-time Grand Slam champion had to endure brickbats from the media. Since then, Naomi has worked hard to reduce the stigma associated with mental health. In speaking about her own experiences, Naomi helped others, as her words and experiences resonated with many.
Naomi and legendary swimmer Michael Phelps attended a forum on mental health earlier this year. Phelps talked about his depression after experiencing the highs of the 2004 Olympics. He confessed that he did not want to continue living in 2014. Phelps then added how Naomi’s words struck a chord in him when he was at his lowest.
“How you composed your words, and posted them on social, to me, it sends chills on my body right now thinking about it. …I guarantee there are people out there that are reading that, that you saved,” he said (via In Style).
Naomi Osaka has been paving the way for others. As she prepares for her comeback to the courts after giving birth, she speaks candidly about her fears.
Naomi Osaka gets candid
The former world number one is one of the most dominant players around. She is an intuitive player and person, and she believes in releasing that energy into the universe.
Naomi admitted that she never wrote a will, worrying that doing so might make it happen. “I always thought if I wrote a will, then something might happen to me,” she said.
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Osaka’s pregnancy drove home her fears about mortality. She had a rough pregnancy too, as she was diagnosed with Group B Streptococcus. It is a bacterial infection that can get passed down from mother to infant, leading to a lot of complications and even death.
Naomi Osaka overcame her fears and gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Shai. Her life has changed a lot since then, and motherhood has changed her perspective on life. However, that hunger to win has persisted, if not stronger than ever.