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When tennis star Naomi Osaka withdrew from the French Open in May 2021 to protect her mental health, the move shook the tennis world and put mental health in the spotlight.

As Osaka, then 23 and the No. 2 player in the world, walked away from the Grand Slam event at the top of her game, she shared her struggles with depression and anxiety with her fans. The move was unprecedented in the sport and deeply relatable for many.

"The truth is that I have suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018 and I have had a really hard time coping with that,” she wrote on Instagram at the time.

"I think now the best thing for the tournament, the other players and my well-being is that I withdraw so that everyone can get back to focusing on the tennis going on in Paris," Osaka wrote. "I never wanted to be a distraction and I accept that my timing was not ideal and my message could have been clearer. More importantly I would never trivialize mental health or use the term lightly."

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Saying out loud that I'll take a break and I'll come back when I am truly in love with the sport and I know what I want to do here, it gave me time to reset."
Osaka, who has returned to tennis competition, most recently competing in the Australian Open, is now reflecting on that moment and why she chose to speak about her mental health.

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"It was important to me to be public because ... I think it gives me clarity," Osaka, 24, said in an interview with "Good Morning America." "Just saying out loud that I'll take a break and I'll come back when I am truly in love with the sport and I know what I want to do here; it gave me time to reset myself."

Journaling has become a regular part of her self-care routine, she said.

"Lately, I’ve been writing in my journal, and I think that that keeps my thoughts in order," she said. "I feel like it gives me clarity on what I want to do and what I want to accomplish."

Naomi Osaka of Japan kisses the trophy in celebration after winning her Women's Singles final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus at the U.S. Open, Sept. 12, 2020, in New York City.
Al Bello/Getty Images, FILE
Osaka said her ambitions extend beyond the court to being an entrepreneur and the founder of KINLÒ, a beauty brand designed for melanin-rich skin. The company launched in September 2021 with natural skin care products and sunscreen.

"KINLÒ was made for people with melanated skin," she said. "Because we found that there wasn't that many sunscreen products available for them."

Tennis star Naomi Osaka founded KINLÒ, a beauty brand designed for melanin-rich skin.
Naomi Osaka
Osaka said she hopes through KINLÒ she can bring awareness that skin cancer affects people of all skin tones and help everyone embrace their beauty and health inside and out. Her idea of beauty centers on celebrating our individuality with our skincare needs and rituals.

"I think to me, beauty is a uniqueness," she said. "Just embracing your uniqueness and your individuality is what makes you beautiful to me."
write the Pillars of Strength and Pillars that need work with that information

1 answer

Based on the information provided about Naomi Osaka's journey, we can outline various pillars of strength as well as areas that may need work or attention.

Pillars of Strength

  1. Mental Health Advocacy:

    • Osaka's openness about her struggles with depression and anxiety is a significant strength. By discussing her mental health, she helps to destigmatize these issues, encouraging others to seek help and prioritize their well-being.

  2. Self-awareness and Reset:

    • Taking a break from tennis to reassess her relationship with the sport shows self-awareness and the ability to prioritize her mental health over professional obligations.

  3. Journaling and Self-care:

    • Incorporating journaling into her routine demonstrates a proactive approach to managing her mental health, helping her organize her thoughts and feelings.

  4. Entrepreneurial Spirit:

    • Osaka’s ambition to create KINLÒ, a brand focused on melanin-rich skin, highlights her entrepreneurial skills and commitment to addressing gaps in the beauty market.

  5. Empowerment and Individuality:

    • Her belief that beauty is linked to uniqueness and individuality reflects a positive and empowering perspective that can inspire others.

  6. Commitment to Diversity:

    • Osaka's focus on products that cater specifically to melanin-rich skin emphasizes her commitment to diversity and inclusion within the beauty industry.

Pillars that Need Work

  1. Communication of Mental Health Needs:

    • While Osaka acknowledged that her message regarding her withdrawal from the French Open could have been clearer, enhancing communication skills can help her articulate her needs more effectively in the future.

  2. Balancing Professional and Personal Life:

    • Ongoing work might be required to find a sustainable balance between her professional commitments and personal well-being, especially in high-pressure environments.

  3. Navigating Public Scrutiny:

    • Managing public perception and expectations may be an area where further growth is needed, as high-profile athletes often face significant media scrutiny.

  4. Sustaining Focus on Tennis:

    • Ensuring she remains engaged with her tennis career while expanding her entrepreneurial ventures could be a challenging balance to achieve.

  5. Continued Education on Mental Health:

    • While Osaka is an advocate for mental health, staying informed about the latest findings and resources in mental health could enhance her advocacy efforts and personal growth.

  6. Building a Support System:

    • While she has shown resilience, nurturing a robust support network—including mental health professionals, family, and friends—may further enhance her ability to cope with challenges.

By examining these pillars, we can appreciate Naomi Osaka's strengths while recognizing areas for continued growth and development in her journey.