Superstar Tennis Champ Naomi Osaka On The Joys Of Going Unrecognized In Public

Four-time Grand Slam tennis champion Naomi Osaka drops by for a fascinating interview covering some of her favorite things to do in New York, how she handles the mental health challenges that come with being a famous athlete, the joys of being able to go out in public without being recognized, and the reason she wrote her new book for children, “The Way Champs Play,” which is on sale now.
#Colbert #Tennis #NaomiOsaka #TheWayChampsPlay
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via Paramount+, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[@WakandaBabe]

Colbert is such a good and considerate interviewer. He asked her if this was her 1st talk show interview. He already knows that. I think it was a way of reassuring her.

[@halflanding1900]

And the joke he made about his mom making him practice standup at the same age - It was very sympathetic gesture (and funny!) 😊

[@irishgirl1753]

Steven really is a gem

[@vuidre]

As an introvert myself and dread interviews, she did a great job i dont think i couldve done this myself

[@-BigIi-]

I am somewhat also.. She handles such things quite well - from the onlooker's perspective - but I don't think she sees it as onlookers\listeners do. In post-match interviews she was often uniquely funny and charming, many found her to be refreshing; and then it came out that she hated or dreaded these post-match press conferences and broke down over them for a while.

[@LEM19284]

She’s painfully shy. It’s not only introversion.

[@csharp57]

@@LEM19284 I agree with that assessment. I could have done this interview but I’m extremely introverted. Shy doesn’t = introvert.

[@plantiron]

I know, me too. I was shitting bricks on her behalf ..while she appeared unnerved.

[@angieang26]

@@LEM19284 if she so shy then she shouldn't play extroverted sports. Especially if she can't handle post game questions.

[@Hi_Im_Jie]

Naomi is a naturally shy person and many people outside of the tennis world may not know that she is truly one of the sweetest and most humble players in the tour. Seeing her light the olympic flames during the Tokyo olympic opening ceremony was such a lovely moment! We love you, Naomi!!! =)

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

The young man who lit the flame of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics was born in Hiroshima, Japan on August sixth, 1945. Naomi Osaka comes from a great culture!

[@peterporkeresq.2817]

@@michaelrmurphy2734 Yeah she does, the Haitian culture.

[@emmannweb]

yes she is!

[@alicegauteng2358]

@@peterporkeresq.2817 Its not a competition. Both Haitian and Japanese cultures are beautiful

[@peterporkeresq.2817]

@@alicegauteng2358 I never said it was.

[@badrrinarayanan4659]

She is so beautiful. Her hair, her voice and the way she speaks, just melts my heart. What a wonderful human being.

[@ChineduOpara]

So only Beautiful People can be wonderful?

[@badrrinarayanan4659]

@@ChineduOpara beauty is in the eye of the beholder so yes.

[@Karl671]

I feel the same way

[@ChineduOpara]

@@Karl671 (Christian Bale voice) _Well GoOoOD fer yOUoUUu!_

[@lisam9916]

@@ChineduOpara What are u talking about? I don’t see anyone saying anything about only beautiful ppl can be wonderful,

[@michaelsalovaara567]

I met her father in the 90s at his bar, Zoz’s. He would open it up to our open mic nights and to onigiri for the homeless organized by Matt Walsh. And I would hear stories of his work in the Osaka City among the disadvantaged. Naomi comes from a strong family. Much respect.

[@zazatv6822]

She shy but cool

[@sprue_goose]

Yet I can't help but think her parents are part of her mental health story. After living and breathing Japanese culture for 6 years I am not surprised.

[@NoName-cn3cp]

Ok liar

[@joso5554]

A great interview. She’s very calm and composed, but shows a very fine humour. Wish her well.

[@valeriemitchelson1970]

My Haitian people! ❤️

[@TheBlueKnight5]

So soft spoken, very sweet, and I'm glad she stood up for herself when she knew something wasn't right. Much respect!

[@bossdeman]

I love how gentle and considerate Stephen is with her......respecting her shyness

[@philipcramer940]

Great job by Naomi and Stephen. You can still see she is quite apprehensive in an interview setting but she did a great job.

[@mrzoinky5999]

Yes she was quite nervous, but did a good job - says the guy who froze during a grade 9 presentation.

[@yk-lt5bs]

She actually arasaka from cyberdunk 😅

[@marcd1981]

Her first ever talk show, being asked live questions for a national audience, she did well.

[@Lamourdupays]

@@marcd1981 she’s done talk shows before, just not late night. I’ve seen her on Ellen a couple times.

[@marcd1981]

@@Lamourdupays It must have been after this interview, because she stated at the start of this interview it was her first talk show interview.

[@msw170]

I love her innocence and humility.

[@beverlyanngilbert4794]

Being an introvert is a difficult challenge but to be a celebrity makes it that much more difficult. Kudos to Naomi.

[@sophiophile]

Naomi, if you read this, thank you for doing this interview. I can promise you that there are so many people who see themselves reflected in how you carry yourself- and it is a representation of a beautiful personality that rarely gets to shine in the spotlight.

[@csharp57]

I honestly wish she saw this 🙏🏽

[@benthekeeshond545]

I think, deep inside her, she rather be with her boyfriend partying on streets and flip the middle finger at whatever they disagree with.

[@TunedIntoTennis]

You can tell she’s settling more into her natural introverted personality and not making excuses for who she is naturally. Her personality may not fit the conventional metrics of an international celebrity athlete but she’s still pretty awesome.

[@hellobecky84]

Well said.

[@planetegogogo7723]

you tell it all.. no more words I can add...

[@angieang26]

I'm also introverted. And I'm black and I'm not accepted in the black community because I'm introverted and quiet. If your a black woman then your expected to be loud and animated and I'm not.

[@bmwjourdandunngoddess6024]

@@angieang26Not this lie again. And we can tell you aren’t Black.

[@floralcapacity7319]

@@angieang26 it’s true. she’s a different kind of representation and i appreciate that

[@zap2002]

She did a great job. I'm glad she's handling her challenges.

[@thearchitect2433]

I'd be handling challenges too if I was making 50 million or more a year..

[@adrianpena677]

Poor little rich girl! 🤑

[@Karl671]

Me too

[@bigman4407]

@@thearchitect2433 lol

[@JamesCM86]

What happened?

[@heididobson5582]

I love how thoughtful she is. She takes time to think about things before she gives her answer, she’s also very beautiful and talented. ❤️

[@davidharcot220]

Heidi i like straite answer with out thinking the best answer righte from the heart

[@vistalover9607]

Japanese upbringing… It’s a blessing and a curse

[@jma331982]

She’s incredible. She has a quiet soul yet has so much to say.

[@jessicaheger1880]

Makes sense to practice comedy in a corn field; they're all ears.

[@allysonstanley2054]

Hahaha hahaha!! Love that😁

[@horseshoecraft]

That was a corny joke :)

[@gabriel_the_salubri]

🤣😂🤣😂🤣 Good one!

[@gabriel_the_salubri]

@@horseshoecraft 🤓😆😅

[@phenixfire8980]

Ha😂 that’s good

[@avaevans9455]

What a sweetheart. Modeling self-love and kindness is so meaningful.

[@josephb7]

What a real person with no airs or pretension. She is so refreshing!

[@obbayazit]

Another very good interview. I think Stephen is at his best in this kind of interview where we learn more about the guest's heart-warming stories, or their life philosophy.

[@janetpartyka5968]

I agree.

[@joenehama2731]

A sophisticated, classy, charming girl. A model of a champion. Every time I watch her I’m more and more impressed

[@karengayehammat4199]

She's my favourite so kind and respectful puts some others to shame

[@mardochenicolas757]

🇭🇹 is there any Haitian here? So proud of you Naomi

[@koi5242]

She is Japanese

[@jamesjohn9183]

@@koi5242 haitian/Japanese What's wrong with her being Haitian/Japanese?

[@Jjthlkfykvsukncxx]

🇭🇹🇭🇹 🙌

[@Yaya_____]

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeesssss!!! I was proud when I heard her talking about « légum » Haïti 🇭🇹

[@erica5493]

Haitian over here!!!🇭🇹

[@margholtz]

She is awesome so natural and down to earth

[@LoneWolfZakuro14]

GIRL cheering you on from back in Japan!! :D So excited to see you on this program of all things!

[@thearchitect2433]

Yaaaas queeeeen! Get it! 💅

[@jameswolff1115]

One of the best and moving interviews of all time!

[@RankinMsP]

Wow, that looked tough. We often forget that despite the fame, money and army of experts, celebrities are still human. Beautiful interview, thanks to both. ❤️

[@waldolydecker8118]

Oh shucks...

[@Mister006]

She's tender. I love her! I didn't know she was as tall as she is! WOW! She's a beauty inside and out!

[@FayePini]

For Stephen to try: Haitian delicacies consist of puff pastry that is shaped into small squares and filled with various types of meat such as beef, chicken, pork, or even fish. They are regularly served at numerous special events and celebrations, but Haitian patties can also be paired with rice and beans as a filling meal.

[@justwantresults8768]

excellent input, Haitian cuisine not known to me, thx

[@cassied.9220]

Haitian culture is a beautiful thing#Ayiti4Ever😉🇭🇹

[@purplefireweed]

Thanks for that delicious sounding description 😋

[@kirstenjaguilar]

What I'd give for a bowl of pikliz and a plate of Haitian-style fried chicken right now!! 😋

[@sophieoshaughnessy9469]

I had a Haitian coworker who made this incredible onion pie. It was amazing.

[@NightEmbers]

Never heard her speak before but I immediately love her personality

[@Mattmerrison]

I can relate a lot to her introversion and shyness. Just because we are quiet and don’t like being the centre of attention, doesn’t mean we can’t be funny or engaging like this

[@stephanies3246]

She’s so sweet and truly humble.

[@ChessDoc263]

After having have watched a lot of interviews of these famous people and still connect with their introversion that they never try to hide is just amazing

[@royschmidt675]

A very humble, kind hearted person, and courageous person ! Peace & Love 💕🌸🙏

[@DerafsheKavian]

Naomi is normally very shy. Massive credit to Stephen for treating her in a way that she would feel comfortable.

[@rumbizimvumi]

Wow I really enjoyed this interview- she’s such a lovely person. So humble. Thank you Naomi.

[@shottashabazz6721]

She is beautiful. Her shyness makes her even more beautiful.

[@aranoguera8945]

Great interview! She's so much power but so down to earth.

[@sandram2974]

Naomi, you are charming, sophisticated, and humble. Thank you so much for being such a wonderful role model. I also love your sense of humor. From one half Japanese person to another, I wish you nothing but success, good health, and love. ❤️

[@sikaandkarllindgren]

Naomi is so genuine. It makes me love her more.

[@mlg4035]

Very understated, but such a wonderful young woman!🥰

[@thelawofdivineoneness458]

I was already a fan but when she wore the 7 masks to bring attention to the victims of police brutality during the 2020 U.S Open.....that completely won me over. She didn't have to do that. She wasn't even born in the U.S and no one would have criticized her for not taking a stand. But the fact that she did it anyway....really impressed me. And the icing on the cake is that she dropped the 1st set in the Finals and came storming back to win! I just love her.

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

What is not to love?!

[@Laitalafraise]

I agree wholeheartedly!

[@aclark903]

It's kinda ironic tho, protesting US police when the country of her father is basically run by gangsters.

[@KenMeredith]

I think after facing down sports reporters looking for a breakdown, talking to a supportive crowd and interviewer is a breath of fresh air for Naomi. She's a smart young woman and I hope she makes more appearances soon!

[@munab3666]

She's so sweet and personable when people understand her. I hate that tennis interviewers and other media simply wanted her to act like everyone else but she's her own person. And Stephen knows how to speak and engage with her.

[@mclmg]

This is another great conversation which can still be made better if made longer❤

[@Nya48506]

Right, way too short.

[@War-Wizard]

OH I would recognize her. In awe of that woman. wow.

[@williamjones6276]

👏👏👏👏! You can tell that Naomi despite her extraordinary athletic Tennis skill just wants to be treated as a normal person. No pretention, no fawning over her because of her incredible Tennis victories, none of that. Sure she could use her Tennis celebrity to gain access to many, many places, receive special favors and treatment, etc., but she shuns all of that which is a testament to how she was raised by her parents. I'm glad she was asked about Mental Health and its affects on not just pro athletes but people in general. And now if you'll excuse me, I'm on my way to Barnes and Noble in Lakewood, California to purchase her new book!😁

[@SM-gm7up]

Konnichi wa Naomi-san! Love from 🇯🇵

[@ShredderTainment]

As for blending in, Serena Williams attended my aerial class once and I didn’t know it was her. She used a different name & no make-up. Great student! She slipped off the aerial hoop at one point and I caught her and she said, “You saved my life...”. Didn’t find out until the next day, and now I have “saved Serena Williams’ life” on my curriculum vitae. 😂❤💋 She seems like a really sweet person with great sense of humor. Much Love @Naomi!

[@SultryNeoSoul]

What an awesome moment!! I can’t believe you got to meet Serena!!! ❤

[@ShredderTainment]

@@SultryNeoSoul thank you! Me too! And I’m glad I didn’t know it was her so I didn’t act a fool from being starstruck. It isn’t comfortable for anyone. 😆 ✨

[@SultryNeoSoul]

@@ShredderTainment 😂😂 I know what you mean 😭 I feel like not knowing was better too cause at least you had a genuine interaction. They way I woulda been screaming 🤣

[@ShredderTainment]

@@SultryNeoSoul yes genuine! Exactly how I would have ordered it! Except I wish she would be my friend now! She asked me to give her private lessons and I said yes and then I told her to message me on Facebook to book. Major mistake!!! Should have given her a card! Doh! None of the other students recognized her either! She laughed at my jokes, told me she liked me name, smiled a lot as she learned...I even asked her what else she did to get the muscles when she took off her sweatshirt and she said “oh nothing it’s in my genes”...and now I know it’s cuz she had a real big secret! 🤣 So funny!

[@lovejones2179]

She rarely wears any make up just mascara and fixes her brows lol not sure how you don’t recognize her

[@ren4893]

Love all the awkward moments in this interview, because it feels normal.

[@uthmanbaksh3530]

Naomi toaly nailded it with this interview! Thank you Naomi Osaka for being an inspiration to us all!

[@HangNguyen-kj9lm]

She's shy and humble. But there's something about her that is so sweet and likable.

[@kaizersosai8560]

Humble 😂she feels entitled and oppressed even though she comes from a affluent family. She's ranked 401 but still thinks she's #1.

[@FIyingDumpling]

@@kaizersosai8560 What is your rank then? 😂 I swear the loudest people have the least credentials

[@kaizersosai8560]

@@FIyingDumpling about the same as you. I hate rich people playing victim. Give me a fking break.

[@kaizersosai8560]

@@FIyingDumpling about the same as you. I hate rich people playing victim. Give me a fking break.

[@indrinita]

Why am I absolutely not surprised to see so many trolls on the interview of a fabulous, talented young Black female tennis star. Cope haters!

[@Movingmts111]

This woman is my idol. ❤ great job Naomi!!

[@ndomingo2906]

Haitian in appearance and Japanese in mannerism. Just so adorable!

[@claudelineolivier4298]

Merci 🙏

[@lovejones2179]

Doesn’t look Haitian looks like what she is both

[@y0bama]

Well done Stephen Colbert, you allowed us all to see the inspirational person behind the high functioning athlete.

[@donniel7828]

She is graceful. Don't let the smooth taste fool you, she is ultra competitive, a warrior. I'm a fan

[@nicolaablett7790]

What a glorious young woman Love the thought on Why work through it, when I confront it, work through it and fix it AWESOMENSS

[@florencengeleka1240]

She is sooo sweet and love her 🇭🇹

[@oliviagore7067]

Do you tell people you are you? No, that's weird😂😍 She is so freaking adorable!💞

[@benwu7980]

Such a totally different and relatable perspective, than the types you just know have shouted 'Do you know who I am?' on many occasions.

[@jaredoconnor2287]

It’s wild to watch Naomi on the court being an absolute badass and when she’s doing press she’s so reserved. I can’t wait to watch her play for the next 10-15 years

[@MonsterSound.Bradley]

such a wonderful woman

[@NafaratMiyaMiya]

Brava Naomi ... keep doing you!

[@mariepanimdim4303]

Amazing interview and she's so open & honest & funny too. Great job Stephen! I'm so so going to buy that book for my Niece. She inspired me and I'm sure others.

[@nicolesanchez4954]

Great interview! Love her humor. And her quiet strength .

[@carolynl.crudup9103]

Love this Champ's class and grace on and off tennis courts.

[@aloaloha77]

What a sweet person❤ I like the way that she tries to be honest with herself💛

[@michaelrmurphy2734]

I LOVE Naomi Osaka! What a sweetheart! And really young. She is only twenty-five!

[@shadequeen3147]

I usually skip the interviews & watch the monologues & meanwhiles … but I’m sure glad I took the time to watch Naomi Osaka. I’m verklempt with respect for you …. Wow.

[@justwantresults8768]

sharp, highly accomplished young lady, many kudos

[@babilabub]

My girl is here !!!! Love Noami. See you in Aus open. ❤🇦🇺

[@imfpredicts]

I've had that "are your parents home?" thing a few times in the past it really puts them on the back foot and made it easier to get rid of salesmen.

[@marleylove510]

Omygosh that’s so funny because it’s happened a few times, once at my mother in law’s house. I helped get rid of a salesman ☺️.

[@Kuwandi]

Her Demeanor is so ATTRACTIVE - soft spoken and calming

[@MsShellectable]

She's a poised delight, and a perfect advocate of the importance of self care and setting wise boundaries in the face of huge demands. And, she looks stunning here. Kudos to her stylist, if she uses one, or her own sense of style.

[@barrysmith8920]

Love her...a champion of a person 🌹

[@sarahogawa5408]

We love you Naomi! -Kyoto, Japan

[@michellecampbell3894]

What a beautiful soul.

[@geneusjeanmendy9923]

I’m so proud of her!! I like interracial people!! Love you Naomi 🇭🇹 🇯🇵

[@tusharkakkar7567]

She's soooo down to earth

[@JamesFrew1]

She’s such a wonderful person and it’s so gross to see the kind of hate she gets online sometimes.

[@julierawlins5984]

Wow Naomi is so great. I am so impressed.

[@glendaholmes-moore1403]

It is good to see her in public on a personal level holding it down ♥️🎄🥰

[@Kreatures100]

I really hope she comes back. She was so fun to watch. I saw her win Indian Wells live and the crowd was aghast at her power shots and 124 mph serves. Yea she may not be a Serena like grinder but it’s a different era with new definitions of what makes a champion.

[@tommarino69]

She's such a sweet girl and of course a super talented tennis player! Speaking as someone who is going through a rough time mentally, she's an inspiration and I wish her all the best in her career but most importantly her life. I will always be a fan of hers. ❤

[@siwi666]

I love her being

[@ananyanarayandhanabalan]

Naomi saying that she tells her parents whatever they wanna hear is such an Asian kid move... Respect. 😂😂😂

[@moeskeetz5473]

She reminds me so much of my oldest daughter ❤️❤️

[@Rosesunshine]

she´s so funny, love her! Just honest and true.

[@deonatillman]

She's a precious lil gyoza and I will cherish her forever. Long live the baby Osaka

[@mariahgunn7101]

Love her. She truly inspires me

[@BeautyAndBrainsGirls]

Love this young lady ! Haitian food is the absolute best 🇭🇹

[@karena3217]

Naomi is not only a fabulous athlete. She's also a Beauty Queen

[@sfhayesvalley]

I remember seeing Naomi at Newark Airport all by herself after a loss at the US Open. It must have been in 2016. I remember wanting to tell her that she's going to win slams, and how impressed I was by her game. Then two years later, she won! I regret not talking to her then, but I'll say this now...Naomi, you will win more slams!

[@balaji-kartha]

I think that soft-spoken self critical trait comes from her Japanese side . Love her ❤️

[@jbid3263]

Lol funny the tennis and smart from the other side Haiti 🇭🇹 side

[@balaji-kartha]

@@jbid3263 lol yes! 😁

[@defiant9]

I'm definitely getting this book for my kids!

[@randallmadison9910]

She's nice. Hard being shy. How she is out there pushing herself to be comfortable in the spotlight. Excellent tennis player. Really good match that she list last time at US Open. Other player played a little bit better. That's competition. Ready for her to bring that A game to the Australian Open!!!!!!

[@shivaninani322]

I always feel she is pretending to be shy but is quite bold and does some amazing photshoots too.

[@vincentrafael]

Naomi is a ray of sunshine.

[@creativeartbyluvensky]

Great Interview with a champion. Naomi is very talented and kind. She looks a tender lady!

[@johnmesser3278]

Beautiful, Innocent and Human. Well Done! 🙂

[@ktom5262]

Every person is human. Even Hitler and Dahmer were human, unfortunately. As for innocent - I'm not so sure, she's showing off her legs.

[@Chuckienycbx]

Great interview! Great to see her laugh and smile.