"I think she's coming back" - Naomi Osaka struggling with Serena Williams retiring from tennis

Thursday, 15 December 2022 at 02:25

Updated at Sunday, 29 December 2024 at 21:16

byZachary Wimer

Naomi Osaka found it very surreal to see Serena Williams retiring from tennis, and in some ways, she still thinks the legend will come back.

As she related to Williams in many ways as a child and undoubtedly found some inspiration in the way she plays, Osaka grew up idolizing Serena. But as she said in a recent interview, she found it too weird to witness her retirement.

"To me, it feels definitely surreal and I’m almost like I think she’s coming back. But you know how you’re just like this can’t be happening kind of thing. So, it was one of those moments for me but I’m really grateful that she told everyone, so we atleast got the chance to watch her."

In the same interview, Osaka admitted she is finally getting more comfortable with using her voice to speak up about things that are important to her.

"I think I’m slowly getting comfortable with using my voice but for me it was probably during quarantine like when COVID first came out. I didn’t have anything to do, so I sat by myself and I was just thinking about my life and what I want to accomplish and I think all in all I just wanted to feel like I didn’t shy away from issues that I felt heavy in my heart."

Tennis has been Osaka's main focus for the majority of her life, but she's now exploring other things that interest her because she has a curious mind.

"I’m the type that always likes to do something, and I’m always curious. So, it’s nice that I get to learn like the behind the scenes of everything. So, I definitely have projects coming up and I hope maybe I’ll be on here again."