MENTAL HEALTH. Roger Federer in full support of Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu

Roger Federer explains why he is so sympathetic with Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu

Roger Federer And Naomi Osaka

Roger Federer has been around for more than 20 years, and he knows pretty well the pressure that top tennis players have to endure. During a recent interview with GQ, the Swiss sensation talked about his support for Naomi Osaka, who has been struggling with mental issues.

The 40-year-old said there is a need for a “revolution” (or evolution) to change how things are dealt with from a media point of view. Roger was asked to elaborate about Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu’s struggle during the Wimbledon 4th round. On that occasion, the 18-year old had to withdraw with breathing issues generated by nerves.

 

In need of a revolution

 

Roger Federer commented:

“I was following Emma Raducanu’s incredible run in Wimbledon and also Naomi Osaka these last few years – it’s been amazing, both of their stories. But it hurts when you see what happens and when they don’t feel well. The stress is so great.

In regards to this, the press situation does need to be reconsidered. I think I’m one of the athletes who’s done the most press – ever! And I agree that it’s always the same. Always. I think players, the tournaments, journalists, we need to sit down together in a room and go, “OK, what would work for you and what works for us…” We need a revolution. Or at least an evolution of where we are today.”

The Social Media pressure

Federer thinks that it is also extremely difficult for young players to deal with social media. He admitted that he was lucky that there were no social media at the beginning of his career.

“I think a lot has to be down to social media: the first ten years of my life there was no social media, maybe I had just a website, then the next ten years social media was everywhere.

I can’t imagine going through the beginning of my career with social media; I have no clue how I would have handled it. For every ten nice comments, there’s always one negative comment and, of course, that is the one you focus on. It’s a horrible situation.”

Roger Federer in 2021

Roger Federer Stats info

Currently the world no.9, Roger played his last match on the 7th of July when he was defeated by world no.12 Hubert Hurkacz 6-3 7-6(4) 6-0 in the quarter in Wimbledon (draw).

This season the Swiss achieved a 9-4 win-loss record.

Federer
Wimbledon
Federer's Record

 

Naomi Osaka in 2021

Naomi Osaka Stats info

Ranked world no.7, Osaka played her last match on the 3rd of September when she lost to world no.29 Leylah Annie Fernandez 5-7 7-6(2) 6-4 in the 3rd round in U.S. Open (draw).

Until now, during this year Naomi achieved an overall 18-6 match record. Osaka conquered 1 title at the Australian Open.

Osaka
U.S. Open
Osaka's Record

Roger Federer and Naomi Osaka

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Embed from Getty Images