Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles’ names are often put in the same sentence these days. Both athletes have not been shy in revealing that they have been struggling with pressure. Naomi Osaka decided to withdraw from the French Open after she remained in the position that she didn’t want to attend any press conference during the major citing mental health issues. Later, Naomi also pulled out from Wimbledon, and she crashed out in the third round of the Olympic Games before admitting that she was struggling with pressure.
Simone Biles is widely celebrated as the best gymnast of all time. However, at the Olympic Games, she pulled out of the team competition, citing mental health. Later, she withdrew from Thursday’s individual all-around competition.
The support from the tennis community
Some tennis legends came into the support of Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles. Former World No.1, Chris Evert commented on Twitter:
“Bravo Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles. You are showing such courage in speaking out for ALL young athletes who experience nerves, stress, expectations and pressure. This is a very profound moment in sports. Thank you.”
Rennae Stubbs OLY also expressed her sympathy for Naomi and Simone to say:
“I woke up to the news of Simone & after the loss of Naomi & the expectations put on both of them in Tokyo, it made me sad. If u have a critical opinion, do yourself a favor, watch #weightofgold – cause if u criticize athletes, DONT! You’ll never understand! NEVER!!”
Mardy Fish had his own issue with pressure to often struggle with an irregular heartbeat. He will feature in a documentary promoted by Netflix on mental health.
Mardy commented:
“This is why people don’t take their mental health seriously. Do you honestly think she would just pull out of something she trained her whole life for because she lost? I wouldn’t expect you to understand an athlete’s perspective but this ain’t it.”
Naomi Osaka in 2021
Currently the world no.2, the Japanese played her last match on the 27th of July when she was defeated by world no.42 Marketa Vondrousova 6-1 6-4 in the 3rd round in Tokyo (draw).
Currently, during this year Naomi has managed to achieve a 16-4 win-loss record. Naomi has won 1 title at the Australian Open.
Naomi Osaka |
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