"After I won Australian Open the second time, I felt I had to do something": Effect of winning big titles was depression for Osaka
WTAThursday, 03 August 2023 at 19:30
Naomi Osaka
spoke about her mental health issues after winning tournaments like Indian
Wells and the Australian Open.
The
Japanese tennis player emerged as one of the most promising players at a very
young age. At just 21 years old, Naomi Osaka won the US Open by defeating
Serena Williams in the final.
Unlike some
other players, Osaka proved to be more than just a "one-hit wonder"
and won her first two Grand Slam titles and two WTA 1000 events at the age of
22. In 2021, she secured her fourth Grand Slam title, which is her most recent
achievement so far.
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During the
podcast "Mountaintop Conversations," Osaka opened up about her mental
health and when she started to feel that she was facing issues.
“The first
time I felt really depressed was after I won Indian Wells. It happened again
when I won 2020 USO, & Beijing. I was in China, crying on court. After I
won AO the 2nd time, I felt I had to do something bc I don’t want to keep
living this way”
When many
predicted a long-lasting dominance from the Japanese player, she began to speak
about her struggles with depression and anxiety, especially after the 2021
French Open.
At that
tournament, she announced that she wouldn’t speak with the media due to the
anxiety it caused her, which eventually led to her withdrawal from the event
before playing her second-round match.
"I
actually didn't know what mental health was. Growing up, no one was really
talking about it. I think honestly the first time I heard about it was after I
pulled out from the French Open. It's not like I had a dark childhood or
anything, it's just that everything was so focussed on tennis," said
former world No. 1.
“It got to
a point after I won the Australian Open for the second time [in 2021], I felt I
needed to do something about it because I don't want to keep living this
way," she said.
Since then,
Osaka has struggled to maintain consistency, although she reached the final of
the 2022 Miami Open, where she ultimately fell to Iga Swiatek, who came into
the match on a streak of 16 consecutive wins.
The
Japanese player is currently off the WTA tour in 2023 due to her pregnancy and
the recent birth of her daughter. As a 4-time Grand Slam champion, she hopes to
make her comeback in 2024 with the ambition of returning to the top of the
rankings and continuing to win major tournaments.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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