What Happened To Naomi Osaka? (It's Not What You Think...)

[@Xcyper33]

Naomi is incredibly shy, softspoken and introverted. Very different from usual sports super stars.

[@bugynites09]

She was only trained in tennis. Parents need to understand, in any sport with any gender, that the mental side is always harder the physical. Just because a kid has a talent doesn't mean they will have the mental dexterity to handle everything that comes along with stardom.

[@orchidpanda2253]

Well, considering the fact that Naomi has never threatened or insulted an umpire or line judge, broken rackets, bad mouthed her fellow competitors to the press or social media, has not raped or killed anyone - treats people with respect and kindness even though she has haters gnawing at her and people who constantly want her attention, I'd say she has the mental dexterity to handle stardom. People just aren't used to pro athletes being vulnerable and honest because we still operate by a standard of some outdated Spartan values, like we're at war in ancient Greek times or something.

[@samuelljayy6705]

@@orchidpanda2253 its funny you say that when then video literally talked about her throwing her racket and getting a warning lol

[@chanjiewan6823]

@@orchidpanda2253 You're talking about social manners and not mental toughness in a single person sport.

[@Mzee1084]

I have always loved Osaka. She is such a sweet and sensitive woman. People can be so cruel to athletes, and she didn't deserve any of the hate. Being the top player in the world and defeating people's favorite players tends to draw ire unfortunately. I remember watching her against Serena in that USOpen final and feeling bad for her because of how Serena behaved, and got the crowd riled up against her. She also did not deserve hate from people for choosing to represent Japan. It is her personal choice with who she would feel more comfortable playing for.

[@stonecold9132]

You know her personally? How do you know she's sweet and sensitive. Look at a person's actions not what they appear on TV. Hooking up with a bad boy and having a child out of wedlock is sweet & sensitive. Smh. Pathetic low life behaviour

[@mageboom6632]

That's a lie. Serena didn't rile up fans against her. Serena had every right to dispute with umpire and had nothing to do with Naomi. She should have ignored like all the other players do when opponents are arguing with umpire.

[@Mzee1084]

@@mageboom6632 Serena's behavior riled up the crowd, regardless of whether that was her intent. Players have every right to dispute a call, but there are ways to do it, and ways not to. Unfortunately, Serena went the latter route. And, when she addressed the crowd at the end of the match she made it about her instead of being about Osaka's win. Serena was in the wrong with her behavior towards the umpire. Her coach admitted to giving her coaching signals. Serena has usually been in the wrong with her USOPEN meltdowns. The 2011 final against Sam Stosur where she celebrated before the point was over and completely lost it on the umpire for correctly calling a hinderance on her, and the time she threatened to shove a ball down a line judge's throat with expletives for calling a foot fault on her in the match against Clijsters. The only time I have been on her side is against Capriati where there were numerous bad calls against her.

[@marsinikarsowidjojo508]

👍

[@slowery43]

nonsense

[@knotwilg3596]

As a top athlete with international media attention in probably the most televised individual sport, you have to be willing to endure the on court and online booing of your personality. For someone like Osaka, who already seems to be insecure and self critical, to the point of being depressed, the psychological cruelty of the crowds is simply unbearable. May she lead a happy life.

[@DJohnson-bw6md]

She won't live a happy life because she is soft minded and feels sorry for herself all day not mentally tough enough it comes with the territory glad she noticed she didn't have it

[@msstry1]

LeBron, Cr7 and Djokovic are probably the 3 most heavily criticized Athletes all time and they didn't give in to their feelings. T

[@DJohnson-bw6md]

@@msstry1 no LeBraud does every press conference boi is the biggest crybaby in sports history never takes blame for anything he is the definition of an emotional woman

[@nathanshlap]

​@@DJohnson-bw6mdYou're saying people with depression can't be happy in life? What a wonderful message to send

[@_pawter]

@@DJohnson-bw6md Well, not all of us are HeMan psychoanalysts like you. Some of us keyboard warriors still live in Mum's basement spewing bile and vitriol over anyone weak minded enough to take us seriously.

[@federicotown8052]

At least she has 4 majors which is not that bad

[@jikan-tabi-1888]

Naomi will always be a great multi-GS champ. She has been battling mental health issues, insecurity issues, identity issues, 4-time GS pressures, breadwinner pressures, endorsement pressures, parental worries, public speaking fears, celebrity pressures, etc. Imagine being in her shoes. Good luck! You still have at least 1 more GS in you. Take care!

[@arkamukhopadhyay9111]

Imagine being in the shoes of a coddled, pampered multi millionaire? Yeah, sure

[@anaekeharry9570]

​@@arkamukhopadhyay9111thank you 😂

[@gab_gallard]

@@arkamukhopadhyay9111 she is not pampered. She is a millionaire that got there through uncountable hours of practice and sacrifices. Professional athletes are not the same as somebody like Elon Musk that simply inherited it all from their already rich family. Naomi came from a middle class immigrant family, and had to build her path from the ground up.

[@carlmorgan8452]

Mental toughness is a large part of the sport

[@brentwalker8596]

Tennis as a sport is very tough psychologically. In order to maintain high level tennis performance like a pro, one must be extremely mature and centered emotionally. In addition, the demands of touring internationally are incredibly high as they take a person away from home life/family, force one to deal with foreign cultures, and leave an athlete somewhat isolated.

[@theoriginalthinker9199]

How awful!

[@slowery43]

you never played the circuit, you don't personally know anyone who has played the circuit, you're not a psychologist nor invovled in any way with high level tennis, you think writing some generc generalizations and cliches makes you now the self-imposed expert on something you're completely clueless about

[@brentwalker8596]

@@slowery43 And you obviously don't know what you're talking about nor to whom you are writing. You know what they say about making assumptions.

[@Bokgat]

@@slowery43yeah agree with the person you’re trying to pound here. We all have opinions as do you. What makes you any authority

[@orchidpanda2253]

@@slowery43 Wow. Did somebody leave you? So aggressive

[@bgarrah3886]

Very good overview of Naomi, her career and struggles so far. The one thing I hope she does is get media training on how to deal with pushy and rude reporters. Venus Williams is very good at this. She should just say “inappropriate question - next?” and don’t take the bait. Very much looking forward to seeing her return to the tour 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@Purpledawg-d9s]

Venus should be a case study for handling media with grace. Witness the teenage Venus being ambushed by pat obrien after the irina spirlea incident. Venus was cool, calm, and collected as she brushed aside what could have been a very bad situation. Pat, by the way, should be ashamed of himself for pulling that stunt on a teenager

[@alexanderhemming9148]

People getting butthurt over her not playing for the States is hilarious. She was not born there period and reserves the right to represent either. If it were me I'd do the same, my sister had a similar story to Naomi but with the UK and still considers herself English despite not growing up there

[@shikhab2250]

Exactly (some) Americans think they own the world and the world is obligated to serve them 😂

[@youngtidepod3507]

@@shikhab2250it is 🦅 🇺🇸 🇺🇸🎉🎉🎉🦅

[@MetalsirenIXI]

@@shikhab2250 we do own the world! All other countries are future US States! (jk)

[@shikhab2250]

@@MetalsirenIXI lol

[@hevmadeit9354]

yeah, but they come to the US to get their skills up and benefit from the standard of living that allows them to become champions. It wouldn't have happened for her in Japan.

[@RandallvanOosten-ln5wf]

Coco Gauff has had a very strong family and parents to guide and protect her. Naomi has a good family, but the two fathers have played different roles. Coco's dad has been more present and protective. Additionally, Coco's mom is a former athlete and really seems to ground Coco. I think this has given Coco a mental edge over Naomi

[@amanipeach]

Coco doesn’t have the pressure have saving her family from poverty.

[@doodad77]

Why compare them? Coco is USA, Naomi has no connections with USA, but Haiti & Japan. Obviously, it's racial exploitation which is rife in USA, wisely recognize & avoid.

[@matthewharjo7512]

@@amanipeachOMG! I can’t believe what you said. FINALLY, i found someone who kind of sees her situation the same way I do. I say “KIND OF…” because Coco, didn’t grow up with pressure, period! Asian/Japanese culture, puts alot of pressure on kids. Her mom was probably always telling her

[@lorrainejordan-forbes9189]

​@@matthewharjo7512 😅

[@kennyb1588]

@@matthewharjo7512Black culture puts a lot of pressure on children as well, that’s not what their comment was talking about. It seems more likely to be about financial differences in growing up.

[@JordanjamesX]

Naomi is a 4X slam champion I like her a lot and wish her well. The media put Naomi under a lot of pressure. She is shy and the press are cruel.

[@sha0tube]

That's the price you pay for being in the spotlight. The world has always been cruel, if you put yourself in the public's eye, you better have a strong mentality.

[@orchidpanda2253]

Not just the press, social media says heinous things about her.

[@funkslave9425]

Oh please she’s on record as the highest paid female athlete in history, she’s happy to take on press conferences after she wins, you don’t find that interesting?

[@dimitrispetrou5583]

Serena Williams (whether she meant to or not) brought her a lot of hate after the US open umpire situation. An 18 year old had an entire stadium of people booing her during her award ceremony. For a lot of people (especially at 18) that would take a toll on their mental health…

[@NicaKasende]

20 year old*

[@jamiezenichi1017]

In tennis, you're out there all alone, so the pressure is much higher. The players that can barely cover their expenses struggle mentally much more.

[@slowery43]

which has pretty much nothing to do with the subject of this video.. maybe focus next time

[@MashiroRedo]

@@slowery43it’s the same topic… what are you reading?

[@kadita-legendarysevenspear4533]

⁠@@slowery43u r commenting the most nonsense under every comment

[@orchidpanda2253]

@@slowery43 This made me laugh. thumbs up

[@orchidpanda2253]

I'm assuming you speak from first hand experience to be on both sides of the equation, a pro tennis player who can barely cover their expenses and also a half Japanese, half Haitian, woman, 4x grand slam winner. Are you Osaka? I'm a big fan. Please reveal yourself.

[@SunnyHF-nf4bc]

I’ve gone through a brief rabbit hole on your channel. One of the big things I see is a lot of these pros almost had their childhood decided by their families. They don’t seem to have a normal social life. I’m sure Naomi loves tennis, and yes, she is rich, but there are trade-offs to this life. She is also only 26, and many of her Internet critics forget that her issues with her emotions were from when she was in her early-20s. Would I love to have all that money she has? Sure. But I also know that if I had grown up like that, I’d likely be the biggest clown on the Internet. After all, I never had to have my lowest moments permanently televised for the world to see.

[@FairwayJack]

I hope she comes back ... adds dimension to the women's game and I feel it will be good for her mental health as well ... to confront her issues rather than seek a "safe place" ...cuz you'll never find a safe place when the fears are inside your head ...best of luck Naomi

[@msstry1]

She won't she lacks the mental fortitude. Djokovic gets way more hate than she ever will but he keeps going because that's a winner's mentality

[@lorrieannhazelwood8516]

I loved watching Naomi play and I saw her when she won against Serena. I could feel her hurt and didn't want to feel guilty she won. She deserved the trophy. As for heritage she made the right choice at choosing Japan. If there are rules for the players there should definitely be rules for the reporters. Most of them want a reaction of negatively from players cuz that makes the stories. Shame on them and the tennis representatives. Hope she comes back in 2024 ❤

[@jonathanrandall4140]

I truly felt bad for Osaka when Serena took the spotlight with her unhinged victim drama...she even took the spotlight in the trophy presentation. Osaka lost my sympathy and respect when she started preaching about BLM, very publicly. I don't need a 21-year old tennis player trying to shame me on an issue she clearly doesn't understand. I actively root against her - I watch tennis to get away from all political madness in the world.

[@lorrieannhazelwood8516]

@@jonathanrandall4140 I feel the same when it comes to political issues. It should not come into any sporting events. I watch the sports for the sports.

[@Purpledawg-d9s]

In light of the way naomi powered through against Serena in New York it surprises me to how mentally fragile she is. The naomi that played that night was anything but mentally feeble

[@Mzee1084]

@@jonathanrandall4140 I don't think BLM is about making people feel shame. It is to raise awareness of injustices that people feel are occurring, and the data supports that police have been racial profiling and subjecting blacks to more police brutality. I don't like sports being used as a platform for politics in such a way, but at the same time I recognize that other avenues were not going anywhere. This has been happening across most sports. It is the 21st century now, and African Americans are still fighting for equality that our constitution guaranteed them. I don't like this new era of social media where athletes and other celebrities have such an enormous platform. I like my athletes for playing their sports and demonstrating good character while playing hard. I'm not so interested in listening to them for their personal lives or political views, but i do understand where they are coming from.

[@jonathanrandall4140]

@@Mzee1084 Perpetuating their own victimhood, using it as an excuse to get sympathy, social and economic advantages, and it's done by shaming people that had nothing to do with past injustices.

[@wheresbaby7783]

How can you not be depressed? Your dad made you into a Tennis player, you achieved the highest form of success everything everyone ever wanted from you and it was not what you wanted. You don't know who you really were? You were someone that someone created in a sense.

[@jaynechinogurei3026]

As soon as they can afford one players should use a sports psychologist or a therapist to address their mental health. It’s a support that’s as useful and needed just as much as a coaching team

[@blessmeaachoo8348]

That’s so true although people will criticise players for doing that as well 😕😕. They troll iga so hard for having a sports pysch on tour as if they are the ones paying from their pockets 🙄🙄

[@quanshaw4295]

Yes because the game is saturated with quid pro racism

[@Mapleleaffarm]

Years ago, she was being coached which was allowed, and we heard how much she did not want to be playing tennis. That is the issue. She was being begged to continue playing.

[@tokk3n-hj4xg]

I didnt know that. She shouldnt be forced to do anything for anyone , if her heart is not in it anymore people around her should just accept that and move on with their lives. I think thats what happened to 18 year old Victoria Lee who commited suicide. I think she was presured to continue fighting , training and she was looked at as a commodity, and she felt the only way to escape the presure was to end her life. Thank God that didnt happen to Naomi Osaka.

[@m.w.976]

​@@tokk3n-hj4xgWhen her sister 'quit' tennis, it's rumored Osaka wanted to do the same but was taking care of her family and put that first.

[@denisedenise3602]

It's 100% logical why she chose Japan idk why the US felt entitled to this girl. But i agree, she's the self-sabotage queen though 😂

[@Bad_Gnasher]

She isn’t Japanese, they don’t accept mixed heritage.

[@anonymoususer1824]

I'm aybe because they paid her and her parents millions of dollars, gave her an American education, allowed her the freedom to choose tennis with world class talent to grow up around.

[@joycespencer8731]

But it is the US she grew up a trained they must feel entitled, people are too ungrateful

[@denisedenise3602]

@@anonymoususer1824 absolutely NOT! 🤣

[@blessmeaachoo8348]

@@anonymoususer1824they didn’t pay for her coaching now did they? It’s literally mentioned in the vid how usta didn’t pay heed to her achievements so it’s only fair she would choose the other country. If that’s the case then half of the tennis players should represent spain or Monaco since most players train there

[@James-mw7zv]

She achieved more success in few yrs than most players do in lifetime. And earned millions. Don't feel sorry for her.

[@BourneIdentity45]

I think what happened to Naomi happens to a lot of athletes who end up being able to play at a high level, they start from a young age chasing a dream idolising players and stadiums and wanting to recreate as well as create their own, but there’s always a period where you realise once you get to where you’ve dreamed of getting it’ll take more than just love and passion for the game to keep you there and keep you hungry etc. In Naomi’s story she did a lot of firsts and achieved a lot of her goals and probably dreams from a earlier than she might have anticipated (not saying she didn’t earn it), imagine idolising Serena all your life and then ending up beating her to win your first grand slam title when you weren’t even a high seed or a dark horse, then going on to get to the 1 ranking in the world as well as all the commercial success as well as interest from outside sources. I think she was never prepared for what comes with being where she got to, what I mean by this is if it was up to her she would just want to play tennis and that’s is, not have all the media obligations and not have to worry about anything other than just playing tennis. But that’s the issue when you’re one of the main faces of the tennis world (and sports world as a whole) I’ll give an example. There’s a football player called Son Heung-Min from Korea and he’s undoubtedly the most famous Korean as well as inarguably the best Asian football player, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s also one of the best players currently playing in Europe so it’s meant that he has a lot of media attention and fans who come halfway across the world just to catch a glimpse of him and he pretty much is under the spotlight every time he’s outside of his house. He arguably has more pressure from outside sources than Osaka yet has managed to deal with it all better due to having a strong foundation his whole career with his family and friends being there in the hard times and I think it helps that his father was a pro and so he’s helped him on his own journey as well as been there to keep him grounded and focused. I’m not saying Osaka hasn’t or doesn’t have anything like that but I feel like with her being mixed race and being born in Japan, Asians aren’t always raised to be emotional or deal with their emotions as much and she herself seems shy. With saying that I feel like she got all this fame interest and success very quickly before she could figure out how to handle it and then collapsed under the pressure mentally because she didn’t have a strong foundation outside of the court. And with tennis and sports that bring in a lot of money the responsibilities off the court are part and parcel so you can’t really buffet style what you do and what you don’t do. Because I’ll admit there’s less sympathy for people when they’re earning millions doing something most would dream of being able to do as a career. So in summary she gained quick popularity and got to the summit of where she always wanted to be but maybe didn’t know what to do after she got there, it’s hard being able to motivate yourself after you’ve already achieved your dreams and you’re thinking “what do I do now” because the moment comes and goes and then you’re stuck trying to figure out what else you want to do, and unless you’re obsessed with the game then most of the time you just want to get away from it Identity crisis, a lot of mixed race kids have issues with this because they’re never seen as one or the other and are treated like that a lot of the time. Most of the time the kid usually ends up identifying or trying to identify with one more even if they eventually accept the fact that they can’t change the fact they’re mixed race, but it’s something that I feel like is a huge thing in the states and usually with the black mix with something else

[@wengs4788]

She is rich now and doing skincare line and clothing line. Being a top athlete is a tough work.

[@slowery43]

you know nothing about what it is like being a "top athlete"

[@祝詞憲]

I love your Chanel, and you are doing good job. A few years ago I was watching a Japanese TV interview of Naomi's mother. In this interview she told some of the difficulties Naomi and her mother had to deal with. When Naomi was a young junior player, She could not enter many of the junior tournaments in U.S. because of their financial reasons. Therefore Naomi could not get U.S.T.A's Junior players ranking points. So when Naomi's mother asked U.S.T.A for help of instructions or medical advices......etc. USTA did not know Naomi at all, Unfortunately she and Naomi were rejected for any help from them, sounds familiar ? Williams sisters? Public court tennis players don't get any help from USTA? Anyway, Naomi's mother felt she was treated rather rudely. So She asked Japanese Tennis people for help and then Naomi got help from J.T.A. I am sure this is the reason why Naomi plays for Japan even though Naomi does not speaking Japanese. A few years later Mary Joe Fernandes discovered this phenomenonal girl and invited to join the USTA team. But it was too late, then. Everybody loves Naomi Osaka. That's all it matters.

[@doodad77]

Are you sure this the true situation? I'm sure USTA gets many applications with many declines, beside while about three yoa, they did go to the USA among many indulgences & support were provided for her & family even when departed New York for Florida to pursue that sport specifically emulate Williams family. Unsure how JTA became involved except remotely & much later. Among issues when got involved with poliitical activism & wasn't exploited else promoted race grifters.

[@orchidpanda2253]

I think Osaka speaks a little Japanese and can take questions in Japanese from press.

[@chubbieminami3274]

Imagine just doing tennis growing up. It is depressing just thinking about it. She did it because her parents pushed her to. She never had the time to look at herself objectively until she took some time off.

[@catherinec6485]

It reminds me of Andre Agassi, who said that he hated tennis a lot of the time. I personally don't think that it's good for parents to try to turn their kids into a tennis championship starting as little ones. It's actually abusive.

[@chubbieminami3274]

@@catherinec6485 I agree. She accomplished and earned enough already so her focus in life has shifted. Navratilova says in her interview that she loves tennis and she would be playing tennis if she had time. And, this is why she also made sure she did doubles too. Naomi does not seem to love tennis as much as Navratilova.

[@paulolsen4430]

Coco’s parents were both athletes so they have the ins of what it takes to be on top of the game so mentally she’s more fit. Being Asian, sometimes has to visit advantage of high expectations and not addressing mental health problems , they tried to hold it in

[@ceejayadelia1455]

I’m a big Naomi fan and glad she did what she felt the need to do. She’s great and when she’s ready to come back I’ll be ready to watch and support.

[@DJohnson-bw6md]

Nobody wants to see her fragile mind back out there and I never felt sorry for her she had success and it's over and done with

[@city_guy]

as an Asian American adult that grew up in a pressure cooker created by my parents, i understand Naomi’s struggles. compounded by the fact that she is biracial, the problems that she deals with are exponentially greater. what i’ve learned is that your success is not your parents success to claim. anyone who has parents like this and is having difficulty finding success, just let go of that burden. it’s not easy to do but you will be better for it.

[@astridhopman3872]

I always love to see Naomi Osaka in great matches. She is a real talent and great player. She has already 4 grandslams win. She has now a beautiful baby. Greatfull to hear that she s coming back next year 2024. You can do it Naomi to win grandslams again, believe in yourself and the great talent you have. 💪💪❤️

[@Michael-zm2hv]

Hey! Can you please make a video about "How good was Thomas Muster actually"?

[@thinicer]

I would never criticize Osaka for walking away from the sport to start a family. That’s her personal business and I would even say it’s honorable. I criticize her for the lack of mental toughness while she was competing that this sport demands. If you don’t have the toughness to compete, the sport will eventually chew you up and spit you out regardless of your talent level. To put it succinctly, she couldn’t hack it. She’s not the first player to face adversity, pressure, criticism, and being heckled on the court, and she won’t be the last. I’ll be very surprised if Osaka makes a successful comeback and start winning championships again. I think she is too susceptible to distraction and is mentally fragile, but anything is possible I suppose.

[@johniii8147]

She certainly took the money though. Agreed it was a mental toughness issue. Couldn't handle the pressure. Unfortunately we see that a lot now in the women's game. They never seem to last anymore.

[@jonathanrandall4140]

She's a ❄

[@mehmetkunter5998]

though I would agree with some, the decision to become a professional tennis player in early years did not belong to her. it is her daddy's decision and she follows as all of the kids do... After a certain age, she found it too much and not suitable to her personality I guess..I respect her decision to walk away however we also see some cases where they walked away but came back for so many other reasons...Most likely, there are miliions of other burnouts in tennis in early ages and they are not visible to us becasue they are not famous or relevant for any..

[@johnrenehan7406]

....so would i - in a nut shell , her style of game , as is that of 95% of players these day s - relys on power shots and thrashing the ball from the back court - period ! There aint much finess in the game anymore. When she was at the top , she did two things better than most - her serve & power 1, and her speedy side to side coverage of the court; the two main ingredients that Swaitek has her on top this last 18 months. Her movement and speed especially had Serina outgunned in that US open final.

[@blond2282]

​@@johniii8147she more than "took" the money. She started multiple companies like specialized melatonin sunblock that cost $20 for a travel size amount. Do not feel sorry for her.

[@Chrypto]

I hope that Naomi regains the determination and confidence she had to get to the top again but only if success is accompanied by inner peace and self love.

[@arkamukhopadhyay9111]

All that is just woke woo woo

[@troygaspard6732]

I agree about the home schooling, that she missed out on some social interactions that a tennis academy can't provide. I, like many, would love to see her win gold at the Olympics.

[@lloydedwards968]

I’m missing something. Someone please educate me. How was the interviewer’s question bullying? I understood it as, “How do you balance your life outside of tennis with being a pro tennis player?” Is he implying she doesn’t commit herself enough to tennis? There must be something between the lines that I don’t see.

[@magikindian]

The nice thing about ladies tennis is that none of them dominate for more than a year or two. So the game stays fresh and interesting unlike the men's game where Roger Rafa and Novac simple has zero compitation. I remember Niomi, but she faded away just like the rest of the ladies who has the ability to impress. Tennis is contemporary slavery and the ladies are simply not strong enough to endure the constant punishment. Serena was able to do it, but that's another story entirely....

[@M.Mae.M]

Cruel what her parents pushed her through, what the media piled on, and how tennis fans dealt with here were horrible. The Racism that continues to happen at Indian Wells is why that tournament never matters.

[@jazz2020]

Click bait title told me nothing a tennis fan would not already have known.

[@utah.b.6257]

This wasn’t just for ppl like you. It was informative & entertaining for some

[@Repent-p3k]

Great video.

[@gvicman]

Very constructive documentary. ❤

[@jc5388]

Serena traumatized her forever.

[@ΑντρέαςΣωτηρίου-π8γ]

why ?

[@loriaeddie4166]

If she happy that’s all that matters

[@supersports88]

I did not like how Osaka used the journalist at the Tennis tournament as a reason she suffered anxiety etc and bullied.... she literally goes on national televsion shows and they ask her personal questions all the time. I think it was not fair to use the Tennis community as a scapegoat for that. Do not go on national shows if you have a problem with questions.

[@czaderka87]

Having experienced a mental health crisis myself I look at her past struggles a bit differently now, and I have more compassion towards anyone going through a hard time. I wish her well, hopefully she’ll have a great season.

[@hsdonn664]

Exposed to media and public too early without knowing and learning how to deal with it. Her parents should have taught her better. When you are top of a sports or nearby you inevitably have to deal with these whether you want it or not, and her being introvert and sensitive she has not ready to take it and don’t know how to deal with it.

[@andrewfinlayson273]

She is a great tennis player I hope we see more of her on court again soon in a balanced and healthy way. Good luck Naomi ; )

[@slowery43]

great tennis game, very immature as a person easily manipulated by social media and a sheep believing all teh MSM narratives. Glad to see her gone

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

She is an absolutely outstanding player.

[@arkamukhopadhyay9111]

She ain't coming back. And good riddance.

[@Ricky-mo6mv]

@@arkamukhopadhyay9111 I liked her, but you can tell she is definitely the self entitled liberal democrat type. Which makes me not like her.

[@FleagleSangria]

She reminds me of Agassi. He was a rock star tennis player whom much was expected and accomplished some greatness early on. He struggled with some identity and depression about his career and wasnt really happy early on. Same sort of issues with the overbearing parent, his father. Yet, he got balanced and came to have an amazing finishing career that showed him more mature and together. Give this young lady a break and let her grow. She may just return as a better person and balanced champion that is happy with herself and her career.

[@yennyrodriguezdemorales3228]

Naomi is a beautiful soul. Serena and the US crowd mistreated her so that she doubted she deserved to win her first GS. She certainly needed more mental strength, but no one can't accuse her of walking away from press conferences and the terrible bullying she received everywhere. Having a child is a beautiful reward and the most precious she can have, and I don't doubt that she's coming stronger in 2024!

[@mariepinard2796]

Great video.Good luck to Naomi ❤

[@dfloriza]

I've never understood why us Americans get so pressed about Olympic representation. We have a zillion athletes that are all capable of winning medals. Having one person choose to represent another nation that makes sense for their history isn't going to kill us. We saw it with Naomi, we saw it with skier Eileen Gu. Cut it out already.

[@willie9537]

People are going to hate and misery loves company.

[@truthreignsforever9286]

She simply walked away from tennis for “a while”, parlaying her tennis stardom for lucrative endorsements and other money acquiring ventures. But when it was time to come back to what garnered her fame to begin with, she found out tennis is a very fine line to walk once you’re atop. And she never got it back, in a nutshell. Anything more complex than this is someone trying to sell you something for their own view$ or gain or a documentary etc……..which all have the common denominator of gain

[@who511]

BS. Stop pretending you can read minds. She has to work nevertheless to care for herself and child.

[@FransBlaas1]

Love this woman and her play… therapy just a loss of time and money.. good luck..

[@TremblingQualifier]

Great video! Naomi has had some strange reactions but she’s also had to deal with tough things that are very unique to her and her background. Only thing I would add is that she barely has any titles outside of slams and that she is very bad at natural surfaces and didn’t want to play those tournaments as much, so she never was that dominant.

[@olusojimarsh8539]

If I only ever won the biggest titles in my career, I'd probably call myself dominant, but hey, that's just me.

[@chanjiewan6823]

Before she was a GS winner, i always thought that she was great and the only player to hit the ball like young prime Serena. But, i have to say that she is a bit spoilted or undertrained mentally. Most of the tennis life is unpleasant and only the mentally strong conquer it. She won 4 slams and i think she should be happy because there have been better players or more consistent players who haven't done that.

[@Smarty2able]

Im not gonna dog on Naomis dad but i have a Haitian father myself. Mine is softer thsn most but they can be extremely strict and emphasize perfectionism. I can see how it can take a toll on naomi. A lot of times the pressures may parallel to asian parents as well. Up to this day as a 30 year old, i have a lot of expectations. He wanted me to be a piano player so badly when i didn't want to. And adter a few years of my resistance, he gave up. I don't like playing music at all. I can see what is happening to her. We're not encouraged to develop healthy social relationships, just work work work.

[@Bad_Gnasher]

She definitely isn’t considered Japanese in Japan.

[@RogerFleischer-p3f]

Judging by the fortune she earned from Japanese endorsements, she must be liked by Japanese many 100% Japanese celebrities. Inasmuch as the birthrate in Japan has fallen so low that it's future requires it to open the country to immigration or disappear, Naomi Osaka may become even more popular by choosing family over sport .

[@Bad_Gnasher]

@@RogerFleischer-p3f honestly you’re miles off the truth. Big business and MSM may try and push this ideology, but the vast majority of people in Japan see her for what she is a foreigner. For goodness sake she can’t even speak the language.

[@hallnall1667]

You can't be concern with what other people consider you. You might think what you said holds some relevance but only if the individual allows it nothing more.

[@orchidpanda2253]

Let's see the poll you took of all Japanese people. I bet you if Osaka wins gold at the Olympics, Japanese people will consider her Japanese. LOL

[@BronnyJamesBricks]

Her inability to stay healthy and foot speed & quickness & agility is not what it once was, and she has never been known as putting a lot of time in the gym, and simply put other girls have greater physicality, because they put in the extra work off the court, so it's a real uphill battle for her going forward

[@Kenny-d7u]

Life happened she grew up the past few years, take on a Serena state of mind take no prisoners, you can't be nice it comes a time you have to assert yourself.

[@ruthharris2572]

❤THANK YOU. SHE SEEMS LIKE A WONDERFUL CHAMPION. BEST OF CONTINUED SUCCESS.

[@daveklose4550]

Such a beautiful lady, such a fantastic tennis player, Serena, is responsible for her undoing, so rude that women was, I hated watching Serena, and what she did to Naomi, was just disgusting.

[@evangelistcotton9856]

To me if I was her. I would not care what other people say long. God knows what was going on. And she knew what was going on in our family. That's all concern stop worrying about what other people say. They talked about Jesus and Jesus didn't. Let's stop him going to be in about his father's business. Keep doing what you gotta do. Don't worry about the people. Don't worry about what people saying cause they don't know. Only God knows God bless you, you're in my prayer.

[@caroleastmond9064]

Nothing happened to her, if she, or other players want to play, or not play then that is their business. And, why is a player fined $15,000, for not wanting to talk to the media, that is her right not to talk to them. She is doing her life her way, all the best to her, and congratulations to her with becoming a mom, she is a wonderful young lady, again all the best to her.💐💐💐💐💫

[@denisecollymore4572]

I love Naomi and I missed her. I am glad she is back and I pray that God will bless her.

[@sanfordmichelojr7350]

The problem with these girls is once they are famous they only want to date these rappers who only do drugs and cheat on them... Her relationship contributed to her downfall

[@littleoneshepard]

Naomi's short term success was doomed as soon as the big sponsor money showed up. She was too young to be getting 50 million dollars not for new victories, but simply for endorsing products. The same thing happened to Raducanu. That kind of quick wealth was not part of the previous generation in tennis, so they just had to keep grinding. Will she get her focus back? We'll see.

[@orchidpanda2253]

Really? Nadal, Federer, Serena Williams, Sharapova, Anna Kournikova (who never won a major) and all the rest didn't get big endorsements? I mean not $50M, b/c accounting for inflation and all... I agree with the basic premise that corporate money is ruining tennis and sports and heck, the planet earth, but just wanna make sure you're not singling out Osaka and Raducanu -- both who happen to be Asian women.

[@DonLee1980]

People can be cruel, but at the end of the day, you're just an athlete, an entertainer. People who buy tickets aren't there to baby you like a parent and encourage you to move forward and stay strong. When a heckler verbally taunts MJ, MJ makes sure the guy regrets by destroying the other team. That's the same with Kobe, Lebron, Djokovic, Federer, etc. The world doesn't owe you anything. You've won 4 majors and has earned so many millions. You don't need to withstand the pressure if you dont' want to. You can quit. But the world is going to move on with or without you. Ultimately, if you choose to be an entertainer, don't complain about it. You get perks that 99% of the population don't ever get. If you don't want it anymore, just give it to someone else.

[@SR_10]

We are witnessing something historic in WomensTennis. Naomi Osaka will return soon and win everything! 🎾🖤🙏

[@EverythingZvonareva]

She is blessed with amazing talent that has allowed her to dominate. Every successful athlete has gone through it. Why is she so special?

[@Dusk80]

Because she looks like asian but black and has curly hair

[@Mzee1084]

Not every athlete faces the kind of hate she did. Some people also aren't wired to be able to ignore it as well as others.

[@DJohnson-bw6md]

She couldn't handle the pressure of being an athlete so she quit good riddance!!

[@MH23455]

Lots of people making assumptions that they really hope is true for whatever reason. We don't know her or what's going on in her personal life. She's a talented tennis player and hope to see her back pn tour.

[@maffimukshukran9369]

Depression and other mental health issues is very common amongst kids whose parents robbed them of a childhood for a sport. We saw this with Tiger Woods, Jennifer Capriati, Serena Williams, and Michael Phelps.

[@sportslover2356]

It's really nice to see you take a rational stance on a female tennis player with complex issues. How about having a go at revisiting some of your old hate videos on Kyrgios? Some of the writers who spent 8 years attacking him in Australia have finally been taken off tennis. You might try watching his podcast with AO last week, with Jay Shetty, with Ed Mylett, with Frances Tiafoe, in fact all the amazing facts you never bothered to consider. See if you can dredge up one good video of Nick playing well. There must be one.

[@Charnelle3]

Young athletes thrust into global spotlight. That's tough! She can get through it through. I hope that she reaches out to Serena and can get advice on how to handle the pressure that comes with being a superstar in tennis.

[@patchooo84]

Leave her alone Depression is crippling and dark. She needs space and brightness and comedy along with Vitamin d therapy

[@patchooo84]

You are correct.... But it is inadvisable for someone who can't fix themselves because of emotional and or chemical imbalance due to no fault of their own.... To invest deep emotions into a problem so vast and complex that Jesus even said: I will fix this later. The world is bad and getting worse. Is it foolish or just self-indulgent to somehow believe my face, her face, your face on a bumper sticker or a TV commercial with a " hey you! Stop being ignorant!! " or " being a hater hurts people's feelings " or "thtop it !! Is going to have the desired effect? Just say no! To drugs!! Wow all better now. Hey listen I Love Tennis LOVE IT. She won my heart. I was devastated for her when Serina ( my hero ) lost bitterly and stole Naomi's Moment.

[@patchooo84]

What gets me with her and Collin kapernak is they got to the top. Loved it there. But could not sustain it. Then start blaming others for their drop in talent and reaching for ways to stay relevant and keep their name circulating even if it means entering controversial territory. I remember after a match where the audience cheered louder for her European opponent... She jumped straight to "it must be my ethnicity they hate". She took it so personal. The exact same thing happened to Serina. She humbly and sincerely told the audience "It hurts to hear so much cheering for my opponent, I hope one day you will want me to win like that". The Audience erupted into the loudest applause and cheering. She endeared herself to them. She Won their hearts. And in a clever way she made us self evaluate.

[@patchooo84]

You are so correct about vitamin D

[@margaretamirauta7107]

Serena is a legend no doubt but a bully to 😢

[@orchidpanda2253]

this is the most objective and fair statement in the whole comment section

[@carlmorgan8452]

Don't see her being able to truly commit?

[@ellexusse]

Love her. She is going through humanity. And cruel people. And I’m so happy to see her find her feet and not let bullies and haters get to her.

[@davidbosquette4798]

She is BACK in 2024. Boy does the sport need her. Naomi v Iga is the ONLY pairing that matters for 2024. Two best by a counrty mile.

[@Bokgat]

She didn’t pay her coach and lost all credibility. Pay your dues.

[@funkslave9425]

Stop coddling her! Notice how male athletes are seldom coddled or felt sorry for! They are praised or criticized based on their results period! Naomi is on record as the highest paid female athlete in history. That’s an incredible amount of comfort and privilege. She sucks on clay and grass and has never liked being questioned and held accountable for this. Also, notice how she’s quite happy to take on press conferences after she wins.

[@shikhab2250]

Naomi doesnt need to prove anything to anybody its her life her choice she should do what makes her motivated and happy ash b another player who i adored a lot simply retired when she was at fhe top simply becuase to her tennis was not the end of the world and she had better things for her to do. Naomi should look and get inspired by these people.who lead their life on their own terms and not get upset with silly insignificant people and their comments. I hope she makes it to the top of the game again and if she decides to do something else that makes her happy then go for it 😊❤

[@tm75_88]

She used to be probably bullied during her teenage because of her race, and that ceremony woke up all the demons in her. Terrible I will always stand for her 👍

[@lizzy341]

Such a well made fantastic video.

[@nowucit6346]

Lovely young lady. I wish her well❤

[@eslei7913]

You can only have a moment of fame we only hold those memories regardless we are all human n we not perfect She was good WEN she was good n that’s it God blessed you always just by breathing 🙏🏾❤️‍🩹

[@iambently]

Her rap boyfriend got her off her square

[@LudovicNarayan-nw2lw]

J'adore ✨ aussi ce documentaire de noemy parmis et dans ce monde pro'''du tennis 🎾🎾🎾

[@DeepakChauhan-zt5kv]

You slid that Petra Kvitova like a pro there.

[@barbaragillett9904]

I can’t see her coming back to tennis

[@carlmorgan8452]

Go woke go .......

[@AS004-xf4jc]

Cruel and Narc world won’t understand empathy or depression.They understand f…. Money. God bless Naomi and hopefully she will come back emotionally strong and happy.

[@Time2Act]

I respect Naomi's choices and wish her the best family and game times!!!

[@MrJohnshopkins53]

she let a man define her, she has low self-esteem and some rap artist like a serpent started whispering in her ear, and the fall was inevitable, now that she is back, I hope she got her off-court relationships under control and stay focused on her career... the same thing happened to her idol serena. with all the other wta players that have fallen from grace, I can see a common denominator, "Men" take a look for yourself, and you will agree, today's woman says "They don't need a man" but it's always men that set them back, get real with yourself and your perceptions and you will see that change you are looking for. We all need each other; you need your mom and your dad.

[@orchidpanda2253]

thumbs up!!! "like a serpent started whispering in her ear..." got my attention

[@Carol-e8k]

Osaka is my favorite tennis player

[@glenncurley680]

You have to be a headcase to be a top athlete. You have no choice, it's already chosen for you.

[@dickriggles942]

No one ever tells them no. When you've put in your dues and are grounded, it's one thing. For someone coming out of high school or college...oh no. Yikes.

[@KennethWannamaker-oy3ui]

I will continue to hope, and pray for SISTER NAOMI, HER FAMILY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, AND ALL OF HE ROTHER LOVED ONES. May she get, and continue to focus, and work on her mental, psychological, emotional, physical, spiritual, and all-around health and well-being. And I will continue to also pray for all mental, psychological, physical, and emotional health issues, and problems world-wide. IN THE BLESSED, HOLY, AND MOST RIGHTEOUS NAME OF my PERSONAL LORD, AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST AMEN, AND AMEN.

[@jackeddemon]

No one really cares about her anymore. She tore herself apart and has a victim mentality. No sympathy. True veteran champions overcome all adversity in tennis and all sports for that matter.

[@stephenc2481]

she was doing good the first year or two. for whatever reason, she decided to join the social justice warrior club.

[@jackeddemon]

@@stephenc2481 hahaha yes!! Social warrior. Aka woke

[@parthsavyasachi9348]

Yes. It was very hard to see the amount of woke she was oozing.

[@orchidpanda2253]

She's back! And I care about Naomi. Apparently, winning 4 grand slams does make you a Hall of Fame champion cause it's really f'n hard to win just one. And as a champion, she never raped anyone, killed her spouse or has had a gambling or drug addiction (not that I know of anyway). She does treat people with kindness and respect and courageously shows her vulnerability and speak openly about mental health issues so in my mind, she's a hero. She overcomes racism and sexism and has overcome financial adversity as a child. Have you overcome any of those things? It's really hard.

[@MeepMeep88]

I don't know who Naomi Osaka is... But I do know “Do you like to be called jenny or Jennifer?” “Jenny” “I want to congratulate Jorge.. ”

[@hellovagim]

When she quickly jump ship from Adidas to Nike and I knew

[@sardarahmed3780]

Fame and fortune always comes at a price . She is not able to cope with it like some others can. End of story . This is not an indictment. Just an assessment