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“Look at Two of the Greatest”: 22-Times Doubles Grand Slam Champion Advices Naomi Osaka to Learn From Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal

World No.2 Naomi Osaka shocked the tennis world when she announced that she would not be attending any press conferences at the French Open 2021. She cited her mental health problems for taking such a decision. However, many experts and players criticized her move and the authorities even planned of banning her from the majors.

Keeping this in mind, Naomi Osaka decided to withdraw from the French Open 2021. She stated that she would return to the court after she’ll become mentally fit.

In a recent interview, former Australian player Todd Woodbridge mentioned that Osaka can really learn from Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on how to handle the media. He stated that they answer the questions without putting any pressure on themselves.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal of Spain and Roger Federer of Switzerland embrace the net after their men’s singles semi-final match. Day thirteen of the 2019 French Open at Roland Garros on June 07, 2019, in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“I think there’s an opportunity to look at two of the greatest, and that’s Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, who through their careers have always seemed to deliver what the media needs, and also what they need, without creating any extra stress on themselves,” said Woodbridge in the interview.

Woodbridge believes that besides being phenomenal players, both Roger and Rafa have handled the press really well in their careers. He also emphasized that they have also had no such issues with the media even after playing for more than a decade.

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“Don’t think lingering on the issue will do her any good”- Todd Woodbridge on Naomi Osaka

Woodbridge highlighted that things will be normal when Osaka will return on the tour. He feels that she would issue a statement by then and then things would move on from there. The 50-year-old also said that lingering on this issue won’t do any good to anyone.

Naomi Osaka
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – May 30, 2021. Japan’s Naomi Osaka in action during her first-round match against Romania’s Patricia Maria Tig REUTERS/Christian Hartmann

“I think it will be managed well. By then, with a clear head, she’ll have a statement to make, and then we must move on. I don’t think lingering on the issue will do her any good, and I don’t think it does the game any good,” added the 22-time Grand Slam doubles champion.

Even though Osaka won her first-round match at the French Open 2021, she’ll no longer play at the major. The chances of the Japanese star playing at the Wimbledon Championships 2021 are also highly unlikely. However, fans expect her to recover soon and return to the court as soon as possible.

Also Read: “Horrible Situation”: Martina Navratilova Explains How Naomi Osaka’s French Open 2021 Withdrawal Changed Everything

 

 

The post “Look at Two of the Greatest”: 22-Times Doubles Grand Slam Champion Advices Naomi Osaka to Learn From Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal appeared first on EssentiallySports.