Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has indicated that she is definitely not done with pro tennis. During the 2021 French Open, Osaka opened up about her battle with depression and anxiety. Since then, Osaka hasn’t really played that much as this year the Japanese tennis star appeared in a total of 11 tournaments.
Over the last year and a half, Osaka has also been exploring things outside tennis. Since going public with her battle with depression and anxiety, Osaka has played in just 14 tournaments. Because of that, some have been wondering if Osaka’s career is coming to an end.
Osaka shuts down the retirement rumors
“I feel like I’m a very curious person. So, I’m grateful to have been given all these avenues to explore, so I am definitely looking forward to doing a lot of stuff but I am a tennis player, so if I don’t play tennis for too long I get an itch,” Osaka said on Good Morning America.
During her appearance on Good Morning America, Osaka admitted that she kind of felt ashamed when she went public with her mental health story. “It (being an athlete) definitely taught me perseverance. But I also think it taught me a lot about stubbornness, which may not be good, but I think it worked out in my favor, and being dedicated.
I pride myself on being a really honest person, and that gets me into trouble sometimes, but I like to express how I feel. For me, it was kind of building up for a while. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way because I learned a lot.
I felt like it was necessary, but I kind of felt ashamed at that moment because as an athlete you’re told to be strong and kind of push through everything. But I think I learned that it’s better to regroup and adjust the feelings that you have,” Osaka reflected.
