Venus Williams praises Naomi Osaka on mental health initiative

Seven-time singles Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has become an advocate for mental health awareness, following in the footsteps of Japanese colleague Naomi Osaka who has been prioritizing her mental health.

In August, The American partnered with the WTA and online therapy platform BetterHelp in a promotion to give away free mental health therapy to those who needed it. Speaking in an interview with Forbes Magazine, Williams emphasized the importance of athletes today addressing their mental health.

"Mental health and self care are so important. And I am glad there’s a bigger conversation happening right now," said the former World No.1 “I’m very excited that addressing mental health needs [has become] easy to do, and that therapy can be digital.

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“Being able to reach people on their phones or on their laptops is the way to connect people now with services that they really do need.

“The fact that athletes have taken the centre stage regarding mental health issues now is very encouraging. It gives people the opportunity to talk about things they haven’t talked about with anyone before – to open that conversation.

“I really love that. I love that these young ladies are stepping up to take care of themselves, doing what it takes for their own long-term health.”