Naomi Osaka has stood by Nick Kyrgios amid recent criticism which has engulfed the former Wimbledon finalist who will return this week at the World Tennis League and then the Brisbane International in the coming weeks.
During an interview with Harpers Bazaar in which she discussed mental health and her own challenges with it she also discussed Kyrgios. The former World No.1 said that he is unapologetic and behind all the smoke and mirrors is a human that little people get to see.
Having spent time with him away from tennis and being friends with the Aussie, Osaka has seen that. Kyrgios has been criticised as he continues to be outspoken surround doping cases involving Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek.
Sinner tested positive for the substance Clostebol but like Swiatek bore no fault or negligence. Albeit the Pole served a short term ban while the Italian has yet to serve any and currently won't unless the appeal changes the verdict. While saying that it isn't linked to either player and more the premise, he also showed a want to rile up the crowd.
He said that he 'would get every single person in the crowd to get on him' albeit of course he would be at home anyway so would get their support.
“Nick is a dynamic person both on and off the court. I am really drawn to people who are unapologetic about who they are and aren’t afraid to show all aspects of themselves," Osaka told Harper's Bazaar.
"I also think there is a side to Nick few people see, but I can say he has a very big heart and, for him, giving back is really important, and that is a quality I admire about him."
Osaka will return under new coach Patrick Mouratoglou at the ASB Classic in Auckland in January as she aims to rise again up the rankings in her second year back on tour.
Read also
Naomi Osaka graces the cover of Harper's Bazaar Australia ahead of the 2025 Australian Open 💅@NikolaDiredja3 @branjangankawat @MitaWullur pic.twitter.com/1KwXzVdOze
— sam woles (@selow_mas) December 18, 2024
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.
mandoist09-11-2026 - Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
