"She inspires millions of people and I think that's something I bring as well" - Kyrgios believes he shares similarities with Naomi Osaka

Nick Kyrgios has lavished praise on WTA superstar Naomi Osaka and feels her work off the court surpasses her on-court achievements. The Australian player also believes he is similar to Osaka and that their off-court personalities continue to inspire many people.

Kyrgios is in the Japanese capital Tokyo for his first tournament since the US Open - the Japan Open. He took the opportunity to express his thoughts on the four-time Grand Slam champion and her contribution to the world of tennis.

Speaking during an interview with the official website of the Rakuten Japan Open, the World No. 20 spoke about why he feels he is similar to Osaka in one particular aspect.

"Naomi, I love what she brings to the sport," Kyrgios said. "I think she's an amazing athlete. She can play some great tennis, but what she can do off the court is even more inspirational. She has so many people looking up to her. She inspires millions of people and I think that's something that I bring, as well."

While Osaka and Kyrgios have not crossed paths on the tennis court yet and haven't played mixed doubles together, they have been associated on a professional level for the past few months. Osaka's sports management agency Evolve signed Nick Kyrgios as their first athlete back in June.

Shortly before the 2022 US Open, Kyrgios also opened up about how Osaka inspired him to speak about his battle with mental health issues.

"That kind of opened my eyes saying, 'Wow, there's another tennis player as great as the champion she is, that was also going through that,'" Kyrgios said of Osaka, according to PEOPLE magazine. "Made me feel more comfortable to open up about it,"