Naomi Osaka gives insight into changing stigma surrounding talking about mental health—”We”all go through challenges.”

Osaka took some time off in 2023 to give birth to her first child and returned to the WTA tour at the start of the 2024 season. Although she displayed signs of rust, Osaka was able to notch some quality wins over the likes of former Roland Garros champion Jelena Ostapenko and two-time Grand Slam finalist Ons Jabeur.

There should be no shame in talking about your mental health, says Osaka.

The four-time Grand Slam champion has been vocal about mental health after going through some issues of her own a few years ago. Now an advocate for the topic, Osaka believes players should speak out against factors that could be detrimental to their mental health as they face the pressures of competing on tour.

“It’s okay to not be okay,” said Osaka in an interview with Harper’s Bazaar magazine. “I think there’s historically been a lot of shame and embarrassment in these types of things, but there definitely shouldn’t be. We all go through challenges, and it’s important to talk about it and help each other through.”
“I honestly believe that talking about it and just being more transparent is key to changing the culture around mental health. For so long it felt like it was a subject that wasn’t supposed to be talked about, but I think the more we talk about it, the more we realize how many people are struggling with it.”

Furthermore, the Japanese superstar had high praise for makeup giants Maybelline, who are working with Osaka to raise more awareness surrounding mental health struggles.

“Maybelline’s reach and influence are massive,” added Osaka. “I love what they’ve done in the beauty space and how they’re using their brand voice to make such a positive impact. I hope this Brave Together initiative will provide an outlet for people who are struggling with mental health.”