WTA: Naomi Osaka is one of the 25 most influential women in 2021
Naomi Osaka was named one of the 25 most influential women in 2021 by the "Financial Times" newspaper, alongside well-known authors, politicians and other public figures.
by Stefan Bergmann
last edit: Dec 05, 2021, 08:59 pm
One thing can be said with absolute certainty: Naomi Osaka is a tennis player who is now known not only to people interested in sports. The 24-year-old Japanese has made a cross-industry name for herself through her open approach to topics that are often swept under the carpet in public, which has earned respect from many people around the world.
Especially when it comes to mental health issues, Osaka 2021 had repeatedly placed itself in the front row of the public eye as a figurehead - an emotionally challenging undertaking, especially for people with depression and anxiety disorders. The former world number one also vehemently opposes any kind of discrimination.
"Okay not to be okay"
According to the business newspaper "Financial Times", Oskaka has now placed all of this among the 25 most influential women of 2021. Billie Jean King, himself a beacon of international women's tennis, commented on this honorable award: "So often athletes have a personality, a brand and an image that they feel obliged to maintain. Naomi goes her own Gone and is celebrated for showing us that it's okay not to be okay. "
"Naomi is a true champion - in sport and in life," continues the co-founder of the WTA women's players' association. There is not much to add to King’s words, except perhaps that Osaka will have a 2022 season free of illness and fear - this could only work to the advantage of the entire women’s tour.