Naomi Osaka: Hope my stance on mental health helps other athletes

Osaka, 23, stunned the tennis world by withdrawing from the French Open in May, citing nervousness while giving media interviews. She then followed it up by pulling out of Wimbledon before participating in the Tokyo Olympics

Japan’S tennis superstar Naomi Osaka hoped her approach to mental health has changed the way people perceive athletes.

Osaka, 23, stunned the tennis world by withdrawing from the French Open in May, citing nervousness while giving media interviews. She then followed it up by pulling out of Wimbledon before participating in the Tokyo Olympics.

In an interview with Women’s Health magazine, the four-time Grand Slam champ urged people to be more understanding. “We live in a world where people are so quick to speak and to comment. I hope I was able to help some people and for them to see that even athletes are still humans. And we all are dealing with something in our lives,” Osaka said.

The former World No. 1 said constant focus on her introvert nature increased her anxiety. “Growing up being [labeled] the quiet one puts you in a box and, even worse, makes you stand out when all you want is to blend in. But now I try to embrace it,” she said.

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