Name the professional athletes you respect the most and why.
If you’re not familiar with tennis or the 2025 US Open, you might not understand the significance of Naomi Osaka’s custom labubu collection for each of her wins, unfortunately Friday she her win streak was ended. Naomi Osaka is my favorite tennis player; she’s not only incredibly talented, but she is also open about her mental health journey, including her struggles with anxiety since childhood and depression.
I felt so sad when she won the 2018 US Open and wasn’t able to fully celebrate because of the online trolling and backlash she faced after defeating Serena Williams. Additionally, her decision to withdraw from the 2021 French Open was heartbreaking to witness. The fact that this brilliant and talented woman, at the start of the 2025 US Open, felt the need to ask for at least a few supporters almost broke my heart. She is one of the best players in the world, and she knows it, but depression can be incredibly challenging to navigate.
I’m really rooting for her with this being her second attempt at a comeback! I truly hope she keeps pushing forward. For me, this feels less like a comeback and more like a wonderful reclamation of herself.
I love her advice to younger athletes: “You don’t have to view self-care as a weakness.” I keep sharing this with my niece because she is a young athlete who puts too much pressure on herself to win.
