Naomi Osaka relies on Novak Djokovic to open conversation between GOATs like Lewis Hamilton regarding Saudi’s intervention in sports: but will it actually transpire?

Lewis Hamilton recently shared his strong opinions about the Saudi takeover of sports.

Naomi Osaka relies on Novak Djokovic to open conversation between GOATs like Lewis Hamilton regarding Saudi’s intervention in sports: but will it actually transpire?

Novak Djokovic (L), Naomi Osaka (M), Lewis Hamilton (R) (Source: IMAGO)

Saudi Arabia’s intention to overtake all the top sports in the world is an existing fear that many athletes and fans have in common at present. They have already invested heavily in many sports and they want to become the new sports hub of the world. Many athletes have opened up about the reasons why they feel that this should not be allowed to happen for several reasons and Lewis Hamilton is one such athlete. 

Recently, in one of her press conferences ahead of the 2024 Indian Wells, Naomi Osaka was asked whether she would talk to Lewis Hamilton about the risk of Saudi Arabia overtaking sports. She smartly replied that if there was ever such a discussion between top athletes from different sports, Novak Djokovic should be the one to represent the tennis players. 

YouTube video

Osaka said:

FS Video
I feel like if there was dialogue between sports, honestly, it would probably be someone like Novak that would open the door first. I don’t know why but I picture him starting a conversation like that.
Naomi Osaka said

The Japanese player added that she was not very aware of the situation at large and the exact comments that have been made by Lewis Hamilton and she often gets into trouble for things like this. However, she funnily mentioned that it’s good that people think that she is friends with Hamilton. 

Osaka concluded:

It’s going to sound bad but I don't read the news so much. So I am very clued out and usually it gets me in trouble because when I talk sometimes, I don’t have the most recent information, but it’s good to know you think I am friends with Lewis Hamilton.
Naomi Osaka concluded

Lewis Hamilton shares his strong opinions on the Saudi overtake 

When Formula 1 returned to Saudi Arabia last season, Lewis Hamilton was one of the few players who said that he was against the country’s growing involvement in several sports, with some reluctance. The fact that the nation is known for its human rights issues is why Hamilton was majorly against this. 

Adrian Newey and Lewis Hamilton
Adrian Newey and Lewis Hamilton (Via IMAGO)

He said back in 2023 (Source: CNN):

When I’m going to these different places, I still feel that as a sport going to places with human rights issues, such as this one, I feel that the sport is duty bound to raise awareness and try to leave a positive impact.
Lewis Hamilton said

However, that is all that players can do for now and Lewis Hamilton is still having to take part in the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix this season. It is worth noting that the GP concludes this week on Saturday.

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