Stefanos Tsitsipas and Naomi Osaka are among the most representative tennis players in the world and they share a very good relationship. Unfortunately, both of them had some issues with mental health.
Naomi Osaka decided to withdraw from the French Open after refusing to attend any press conference. Later, she was not in the mental state to play in Wimbledon. After the Olympic Games, Naomi Osaka was back to competitions on the occasion of the WTA 1000 in Cincinnati. Nevertheless, she broke into tears during her first press conference.
Stefanos Tsitsipas seems to relate to Naomi. During a recent interview carried with his clothing brand Adidas, Stefanos Tsitsipas admitted that he also had problems with mental health issues.
Stefanos commented:
“Many people want to show strength and how powerful they are, but few are more tolerant towards accepting and showing weakness. For me it’s not a shame to show that side, everyone is different and cannot be treated the same way.”
“I had moments where I didn’t feel mentally healthy, I didn’t feel 100%, but I kept reminding myself how fortunate I am to be having the life that I have, that wins are not important, what’s important is being happy and the rest follows. After all, you are in control of your happiness, and it shouldn’t be dependent of others,” he added.
Stefanos elaborated a bit more about happiness and how difficult is sometimes to feel grateful.
“Daily, I aim to place emphasis on my happiness and try to improve myself, whether that’s on court, by becoming a better tennis player, or a better human being in general. However, there are times when it’s difficult to feel grateful, we live in a very fast-paced society where everything happens very quickly. When that happens, it’s important to declutter and focus on the minimal and let the rest fall into place,” said Tsitsipas.
Stefanos Tsitsipas at the US Open
Tsitsipas is now getting ready to play the US Open. His best result was in 2020 where he reached the third round before losing and a heartbreaking match against Borna Coric. See US Open history.
Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2021
Now the world no.3 (career-high), the Greek played his last match on the 21st of August when he lost to world no.4 Alexander Zverev 6-4 3-6 7-6(4) in the semifinal in Cincinnati (draw).
This year the Greek has achieved an overall 48-14 match record. Tsitsipas conquered 2 titles in 2021 in Monte-Carlo and in Lyon. The Greek got to the final in Acapulco, in Barcelona and at the French Open.
Naomi Osaka in 2021
Ranked no.3, the Japanese played her last match on the 19th of August when she capitulated to world no.44 Jil Belen Teichmann 3-6 6-3 6-3 in the 3rd round in Cincinnati (draw).
Until now, during this year Naomi owns a compiled 17-5 win-loss record. Naomi has won 1 title at the Australian Open.
Stefanos Tsitsipas and Naomi Osaka |
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