Golf star Rory McIlroy - "You have to give Naomi Osaka time"
Rory McIlroy spokeabout Naomi Osaka's problems on the sidelines of a golf tournament. About two years ago, Northern Ireland went through a phase similar to what Osaka is currently experiencing.
by APA
last edit: Sep 07, 2021, 07:39 pm
Golf star Rory McIlroy has encouraged Naomi Osaka after her decision to take a break from tennis. The world number three was eliminated last week in the third round against Leylah Fernandez (CAN) and then announced her time out in tears. McIlroy said it was important that athletes not let their results define them.
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The Northern Irishman is a four-time Grand Slam winner and has won as many majors as Osaka in tennis. He himself went through such a phase. "I talked in 2019 about having to differentiate who I am as a golfer and who as a person? It seems that Naomi is going through the same thing right now."
Osaka has heard supportive words from many athletes as well as former greats such as Billie Jean King or Boris Becker as well as from ex-US sprinter Michael Johnson. Also because it sparked a new discussion about mental health. During the French Open this year, she made public that she repeatedly suffered from depression.