Naomi Osaka arrived at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on Wednesday afternoon without any rackets. She wasn’t there to play tennis.
According to Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, returning to the center held significant meaning for her. She described it as reconnecting with an old friend after a long time apart.
Speaking at the main news conference room inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, a familiar location where she had fielded questions from media on both triumphant and challenging occasions, Osaka shared her emotional connection with the room, admitting to shedding many tears within its walls.
On Wednesday, Osaka participated in a panel discussion alongside Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian ever; Dr. Vivek Murthy, the surgeon general; and Dr. Brian Hainline, the chief medical officer of the N.C.A.A. and the chairman of the United States Tennis Association board.
The panel focused on mental health and its relationship with sports, a topic Osaka has been open about since her withdrawal from the French Open in 2021 due to mental health concerns. This decision led to a temporary break from tennis.
Currently, Osaka, who turned pro in 2013 and was considered as the next Serena Williams, is away from the sport. While she announced her pregnancy in January, she plans to compete in the 2024 Australian Open, as confirmed with the recent birth of her daughter in July, which she referred to as “a cool little intermission” on Instagram.
During her time away from tennis, Osaka, now 25, expressed how she has gained a deeper appreciation for things she had previously taken for granted. Although she didn’t specify her exact return date during the panel, she later revealed in an interview with ESPN that she intends to compete in 2024, mentioning that she has been training and will soon be back in the game.
Reflecting on her career prospects, Osaka mentioned the influence of Serena and Venus Williams, who had lengthy careers in tennis. Initially believing she wouldn’t reach their age and continue playing, Osaka now considers the possibility.
Pregnancy gave her time to think, but Osaka admitted to feeling lonely and isolated at times, with the need to ask for help becoming evident.
For athletes, especially professionals who push their bodies to the limit, speaking openly about mental health struggles has historically been difficult. However, sportspeople like Osaka, Simone Biles, Kevin Love, and Amanda Anisimova have helped break this barrier in recent years. Phelps, an advocate for mental health, shared his own experience of realizing the importance of seeking help.
Phelps, who faced mental health issues himself, emphasized that his journey to healing began with asking for assistance.
Osaka, upon her impending return to the tennis circuit, recognizes the challenges that accompany life on tour, including separation from loved ones and the pressure of competing individually. However, this time, she feels more comfortable seeking help when needed.
She also mentioned having two close friends whom she relies on during lonely periods, emphasizing the importance of reaching out and knowing that one is never alone in their struggles.
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