‘Got Me the Jobs I Needed’- Sister Mari on Naomi Osaka’s Support While She Was a Struggling Artist

Naomi Osaka is a player who brought a revolution to tennis. She is amongst the few who don’t hesitate to put their mental health ahead of their game. Last year the Japanese tennis ace walked out of the French Open and skipped Wimbledon for the same reason. Her bold step helped many open up about their struggle and do what was important.

Further apart from that, she has been supportive and helpful to her friends and family as well. Recently, her sister Mari Osaka dedicated a social media post to her, explaining how thankful she is.

Naomi Osaka, the best sibling

Mari Osaka took on Instagram to express herself and wrote a heartfelt message. “Special post for my sister, Naomi. Without her, this would have been absolutely impossible.”

Thereafter, the four times Grand Slam champion’s elder sister confessed. “The support she’s given me after I quit tennis, I was literally a struggling artist. She got me the jobs I needed to be able to stand by myself.”

Mari retired from the sport in the year 2021 with four ITF tournaments runner-up title under her name. Also, alongside Naomi, she fought for the doubles title of the Pan Pacific Open.

Read more: ‘Always Wanted to Help…’ – A Proud Naomi Osaka Uses Her Platform to Aid a Struggling Tennis Player

“Every time the media paints her in an evil light, it’s the furthest from the truth. You’re the most giving person I know and honestly, I really would like you to stop giving and take care of yourself more.” Mari added.

Osaka has been struggling with unnecessary hate for quite some time now. She often gets painted as a person with delicate emotions and someone who is not capable of handling the pressure the sport puts on. Further, the two times Australian open champion recently became victim of heckling and her breaking down into tears during the incident only fueled the talks.

Osaka’s performance this year

After having a finals run in the Miami Open, Osaka’s performance graph met a steep fall. The Japanese who entered the clay season with a will to change her past record failed miserably. She incurred an initial round defeat in the WTA 1000 event of Madrid. Thereafter, she withdrew from the Italian Open because of an ankle injury.

Watch this story: When Serena Williams had a hilarious challenge for Naomi Osaka’s former coach

Then she failed to outclass her opening round opponent at the Grand Slam of clay. That is the French Open. Following that, Osaka skipped Wimbledon again to tend to her injury. And now she is gearing up to claim her third trophy at the upcoming US Open.