Naomi Osaka fires back at ‘archaic’ criticism of her

Naomi Osaka has said she thinks it is ‘archaic’ and ‘ignorant’ when people take issue witth athlete’s expressing opinions.

The four time Grand Slam champion, 24, put on a leggy display in a short black and white dress as she posed for a stunning photoshoot for Dazed magazine. 

The tennis star has been open about her battles with depression and previously pulled out of the French Open rather than take part in press commitments stipulated by the competition, which she said impacted her mental health. 

Speaking out: Naomi Osaka has said she thinks it is ‘archaic’ and ‘ignorant’ when people take issue witth athlete’s expressing opinions 

She said: ‘It’s archaic and ignorant, but it doesn’t bother me too much now,’ she shares. ‘To be upset at an athlete expressing an opinion is bizarre to me.’

Her decision became a hot-button issue with some backlash, and days later, the pro athlete announced that she would no longer be participating in the sports event so that she would stop ‘being a distraction’ and so that ‘everyone could get back to focusing on the tennis.’

At the time, Naomi posted in a lengthy note to Twitter, in which she wrote, ‘[During press conferences], we’re often sat there and asked questions that we’ve been asked multiple times before or asked questions that bring doubt in our minds and I’m just not going to subject myself to people that doubt me.

‘I’ve watched many clips of athletes breaking down after a loss in the press room and I know you have as well.

See also  Lenny Hochstein's girlfriend Katharina Mazepa, 27, shares snaps from ski trip with 'boob god', 65

Looking good: The four time Grand Slam champion put on a stunning display as she rocked a red and white Nike maxi skirt and towering wooden heels

‘I believe that whole situation is kicking a person while they’re down and I don’t understand the reasoning behind it. Me not doing press is nothing personal to the tournament.’

Naomi had to pai $15,000 in fines and added that she hoped the money went towards a ‘mental health charity.’ 

Naomi is now is back to playing tennis after a brief hiatus, appearing at the Miami Open on April 2, where she made it to the finals before losing in the final round to Iga Swiate 

The athlete looked stunning as she opted for a glam palette of makeup showcasing her beauty and rocked a coordinated unusual pair of trainers. 

Unique: Naomi later looked unrecognisable in a huge round black and white spotted dress as she sported a bold bright green wig

In another snap, the Japanese star added some height to her toned figure in a pair of flatforms which she paired with a red and white Nike maxi skirt. 

She seemed to pull out all the stops for the photoshoot as she posed for the cover of Dazed magazine. 

Naomi later looked unrecognisable in a huge round black and white spotted dress as she sported a bold bright green wig. 

Eye catching: She seemed to pull out all the stops for the photoshoot as she posed for the cover of Dazed magazine in an abstract red ensemble

She coordinated the hair accessory with a pair of green ankle socks and small black heels which had gold bows on the front. 

The unique outfits keep on coming as Naomi rocked a rounded red dress which included large abstract pieces sticking out. 

Naomi has changed the way we talk about mental health in sport by hitting back against her critics. 

She reflected on the quest for self worth that transcends winning trophies.

Wow: Naomi has changed the way we talk about mental health in sport, she said: ‘We are accustomed to being trained to win at all costs but actually there are more important things in life, and it doesn’t define who we are’

She said: ‘I think as high-level athletes, we are accustomed to being trained to win at all costs but actually there are more important things in life, and it doesn’t define who we are as people.

Asked when she realised she could achieve great things in tennis, Naomi said: ‘It was when I beat Sam Stosur, who had won the US Open, I was only 16 and ranked outside the top 400, so it was a shock result to some. To me, that was probably when I realised I could have a really good career.’

She added: ‘I feel like this is really my strength, being unique and also having diverse life experiences which have made me more tolerant, accepting and curious.’ 

Naomi’s comments come after she made headlines when announcing that she was not going to do any press leading up to the French Open in May 2021, saying that reporters often ‘have no regard for athletes’ mental health.’

Making the headlines: Naomi’s comments come after she made headlines when announcing that she wasn’t going to do press leading up to the French Open in May 2021 (Pictured in May) 

See also  Inside Kim Kardashian's 2022 diet and exercise regime (plus fan theories on her secret surgery)