"They listen to you guys, kids need that" - Billie Jean King praises Osaka for her stance on mental health and racial injustice

Tennis legend Billie Jean King had nothing but praise for Naomi Osaka, lauding the Japanese superstar for her initiatives when it came to mental health awareness and racial injustice.

King was joined by Osaka, Australian Nick Kyrgios and retired American tennis player Mardy Fish for a discussion hosted by Racquet Magazine at the US Open, which began its main draw on Monday.

“Everyone loves you guys. They listen to you guys, and I think it’s great when you talk and talk about your feelings. Kids need that,” King told Osaka during the roundtable discussion.

The 77-year old has in the past likened Osaka’s off-court stance to that of the Original Nine, a group of players led by King who fought tirelessly to start a professional women’s tennis tour, which led to the creation of the WTA in 1973.

“When I was outed in ’81 for being gay, I lost everything in 24 hours," revealed King. "You guys can talk about these things and you’re celebrated. Other people have the same issues. But we couldn’t talk about it the way you get to.

“Every time I go to any place now I have to talk about mental health. Why? Because you guys talked about it. That’s fantastic progress.”