"Why would I keep pushing through it, when I can kind of confront it" - Osaka opens up about mental health problems

| by Zachary Wimer

Naomi Osaka is one of the best players currently on the WTA Tour but her ranking is not a reflection of that at the moment.

Former world no. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion started opening up about mental health battles a bit more during last year's Roland Garros, when she has decided to skip a press conference because of an intense pressure from the media. Over the time, she received more and more support in her actions and now she spoke about how she felt only a few months ago.

"Actually, I was kind of cuddled up in my house for a while after that whole thing happened. But then, I went to the Olympics and there were so many athletes that came up to me and I was so surprised and I was so honoured because these are people that I watch on TV and I like, I felt really grateful and felt really supported," she stated during The Late Show.

Speaking more about her approach to dealing with mental health issues and how she approaches the situation now, the Japanese player said:

"I think for me, I've just always been taught to kind of like stick it out or like work through it and I think that's a very valuable lesson because it has gotten me through a lot of things in life. But there was just a point where I thought to myself like 'why?', you know! And not in a negative way," she said.

2023 Australian Open WTA Entry List - Swiatek, Gauff, Jabeur & more
2023 Australian Open WTA Entry List - Swiatek, Gauff, Jabeur & more

"If I am feeling this way, why would I keep pushing through it, when I can kind of confront it and fix it and then continue on my journey," Osaka added.

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