Naomi Osaka expresses gratitude to Kobe Bryant’s mentorship, credits Serena Williams as inspiration
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Naomi Osaka and Kobe Bryant
Naomi Osaka gushed about the two GOATs in a recent appearance on “The Shop: Uninterrupted” as she spoke about various influences on her sports career. In a candid talk, she revealed that the sports sensations have inspired her as well as her career immensely.
Osaka, who has been part of several media controversies this year, after refusing to speak to the press, stressing on the negative impact it has on her mental health, spoke about Bryant’s mentorship in the television show. Portrayed as a part of her self-titled Netflix docu-series, Osaka revealed that it was especially important to her when she was a newcomer on the professional tennis scene.
“I was really lucky to have like Kobe as my mentor,” stated the Japanese star. “And I really love like everything that he passed down to me. So I always feel like if there was a younger player that ever needed any advice from me I’d love to give it,” said Osaka emphasizing the importance of aiding the younger generation as they enter the world of professional sports. She also claimed that she wants to carry his legacy forward, and that it motivates her to this day.
Osaka, who has recently taken an indefinite break from tennis after a shock-loss to giant-killer and eventual finalist, Leylah Fernandez, in the third round of the US Open, stated that she wants to remembered beyond tennis, as someone who was able to help others. “If I, you know, were to retire from tennis, I would want people to remember me with how I acted towards people and, like, how I interacted,” she said quietly.
Bryant’s influence and mentorship had been a touchstone for how Osaka navigated her career, she said.
“Her legacy is more than being Serena” Tennis Star Naomi Osaka gushes about her 2018 US Open opponent
Considered to be one of the greatest players women’s tennis has ever seen, Serena Williams is a legendary athlete and influential icon to everyone. Osaka spoke about the American’s legacy on “The Shop: Uninterrupted” crediting Williams as her inspiration to start playing tennis.
Talking about the decorated athlete, Osaka mentioned, “Her legacy is more than her being Serena. Like, I started playing because of her. I’m sure there’s so many other girls that started playing because of her, so she literally built champions. And I think passing it down is like how the newer generations gets inspired,” stressing upon the kind of inspiration younger athletes need.
The 2018 US Open finalists are both taking a break from tennis at the moment, with Serena out of action due to injury. However, Osaka stated that her return would be sooner rather than later, with her competitive spirit pushing her to the courts once again.
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Roopsha Deb
(21 Articles Published)