Very Disappointing from Naomi Osaka to Talk About This Woman Abuser Like This.
Fans Slam Japanese Star Over Commendation of ‘Unapologetic’ Nick Kyrgios.
Naomi Osaka, the Japanese tennis superstar, has found herself embroiled in controversy after publicly praising Nick
Kyrgios, the Australian tennis player known for his unapologetic and often controversial behavior on and off the
court. The comments, which some fans have described as “disappointing,” have sparked an outcry, particularly
among those who view Kyrgios’ past actions—especially his behavior towards women—as deeply troubling. Osaka’s
commendation of Kyrgios has led to fierce backlash from fans who feel she should have distanced herself from
someone with a history of alleged misogyny.
Nick Kyrgios, though undeniably talented, has built much of his public persona around being a “bad boy” of tennis.
His on-court antics, including verbal outbursts, unsportsmanlike conduct, and heated exchanges with both officials
and opponents, have long been a subject of debate. In recent years, Kyrgios has also faced scrutiny for his
interactions with women. His past includes accusations of misogyny and emotional abuse from former partners,
further complicating his public image. Despite these controversies, Kyrgios has maintained a loyal following, often
defending his actions as part of his personality and refusing to apologize for his behavior.
In an interview, Naomi Osaka spoke candidly about Kyrgios, expressing admiration for his boldness and
unapologetic attitude. “I really respect how Nick Kyrgios just speaks his mind,” Osaka said. “He doesn’t care about
what people think, and he’s unafraid to show who he is. We need more athletes who are unapologetically
themselves.” While Osaka’s words appeared to focus on Kyrgios’ authenticity and self-assurance, many fans quickly
took to social media to voice their displeasure, particularly given his past treatment of women.
“Very disappointing from Naomi Osaka to talk about this woman abuser like this,” one fan wrote on Twitter,
expressing disbelief at the endorsement. “We all know Nick Kyrgios has a history of being disrespectful to women,
and for Naomi to praise him without acknowledging his past is troubling.” Another fan echoed these sentiments,
writing, “This is not a good look for Naomi. She’s a role model for young girls, and praising someone who has
publicly mistreated women sends the wrong message.”
The backlash against Osaka has been particularly strong given her own history of advocating for mental health and
inclusivity. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has used her platform to speak out on social issues, including
racism, mental health awareness, and the importance of athletes supporting one another. Her stance on mental
health, in particular, has resonated deeply with fans, as she took a brave step in 2021 by withdrawing from the
French Open to prioritize her mental well-being. Fans have long admired Osaka for her vulnerability and strength in
standing up for causes she believes in, making her praise of Kyrgios all the more controversial.
While many fans were quick to criticize Osaka’s words, some did defend her right to express admiration for Kyrgios,
arguing that her comments were merely an acknowledgment of his boldness and not an endorsement of his past
behavior. “Naomi is allowed to appreciate Kyrgios for his personality on the court without condoning his past
mistakes,” one fan wrote in defense. “People are reading too much into this. Naomi has always been about
supporting others, even when they’re flawed.”
However, the criticism from those who feel Osaka should be more discerning in her praise has overshadowed the few
defenses. Many believe that someone in her position—who has become a beacon of empowerment and positive
change—should have been more cautious when speaking about Kyrgios, given his history of controversies involving
women. “If Naomi truly admires Kyrgios for his boldness, that’s fine. But to not at least acknowledge his past or offer
a more nuanced perspective is tone-deaf, especially for someone with her platform,” one fan argued.
The situation highlights the complex relationship between athletes and their public personas. Fans often expect
sports figures to align with certain values, particularly when they use their influence to advocate for social issues.
When athletes, like Osaka, praise someone whose actions contradict those values, it creates a sense of cognitive
dissonance among their followers. While athletes are entitled to their opinions, the weight of their words carries
significant responsibility, especially when discussing individuals with complex and controversial pasts.
In the aftermath of the interview, Naomi Osaka has yet to address the backlash directly, though her comments about
Kyrgios continue to be a point of contention among her fanbase. As more fans speak out, the conversation about the
responsibility of public figures, particularly female athletes, in shaping narratives around controversial male figures
in sports, remains ongoing.
For Osaka, this situation may serve as a lesson in the power of words and the delicate balance between personal
admiration and public responsibility. In a world where athletes are not just seen as competitors but as symbols of
values, her praise of Nick Kyrgios may have unintended consequences that she’ll have to reckon with in the coming
days. Only time will tell how this controversy will affect her reputation and her relationship with her fans.
