Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion John McEnroe feels Naomi Osaka is not enjoying the attention she has generated since returning to the sport at the start of 2024.
Osaka struggled with consistency during the first eight months of her comeback. While the Japanese star was always going to need time to get back to her best, she would have hoped for better progress by August.
The best performance of Osaka's return was against the four-time French Open champion Iga Swiatek in the second round of the French Open. She had match points to cause a massive upset after a blistering display but narrowly lost.
Unfortunately, Osaka has been unable to build on that performance. Her recent losses at the Canadian Open and Cincinnati Open qualifying were especially disappointing since many thought she would peak during the North American hard court season.
The two-time US Open champion opened up about her struggles after losing in Cincinnati. Osaka admitted to not feeling in control of her body in many matches, making it hard for her to be confident on the court.
She will hope for something special at next week's US Open. Osaka was awarded a wild card for the year's final Grand Slam. Although her recent form is concerning, the 26-year-old could become inspired at a tournament where she has happy memories.
McEnroe, speaking for ESPN alongside Chris Evert ahead of the US Open, argued Osaka is finding it difficult to cope because people focus on her more due to the mental health issues she has spoken bravely about in the past.
"Everything she stepped aside with the mental health issues, people look at her even more carefully, which is maybe the opposite of what she wanted."
The four-time US Open champion demonstrated how difficult managing mental health issues can be for tennis players by comparing Osaka to seven-time Olympic gold-winning gymnast Simone Biles, who came through mental health struggles.
"I thought Simone Biles went through a similar thing. The two of them are somewhat similar in what they went through. Simone came out the other end. She seems to have more of a support system within her own team than Naomi does in tennis, because she’s on her own."
Evert discussed Osaka's comments about not feeling in control of her body, which she finds concerning. The 18-time Grand Slam singles champion did not rule out Osaka finding her old magic at the US Open, but she feels it could be difficult.
"That last quote she has concerns me a little bit. She said, my biggest issue currently is I don’t feel like I’m in my body. She said, it scares me. My racquet should feel like an extension of my hand, but it’s not. I’m missing balls I shouldn’t be missing. She’s going through some doubtful times."
"We’ll see if she can get that magic, because it is the US Open. She has won this title a few times, so let’s see if she can get that magic going. I think her story, her journey, remains to be seen. I know she has the game, but it takes more than the game. It takes a lot of confidence and it takes a lot of focus. We’ll see."
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