Tennis star Naomi Osaka and American gymnast Simone Biles have led the mental health conversation in 2021. In response, both of them have received support, as well as criticism. However, some critics of even called the two out on their mental toughness. For this, 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick has provided the perfect answer.

Distinctively, the retired American tennis professional clarified that ‘mental health doesn’t mean mental toughness.’ He then explained the mental strength that Osaka and Biles possess.

Earlier, Osaka and Biles prioritized their mental health over major sporting events, which resulted in the commotion. While the tennis star withdrew from the French Open this year, the gymnast had pulled out from defending her Olympic gold medal in the all-around competition.  

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Andy Roddick gives the example of Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles to distinguish mental health and mental toughness

In a recent Tennis Channel episode, Andy Roddick explained the difference between mental health and mental toughness. With that, he also shut down Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles’ critics.

To begin with, the former World No.1 called out on the false representation of mental strength. “Mental health doesn’t mean mental toughness, right. You’re going to sit here and tell me Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka when they get into their preferred arenas aren’t mentally tough? Give me a break. Right, like okay, so mental toughness is me sitting there at a press conference and being good at it? That’s not mental toughness,” Roddick said.

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Furthermore, Roddick opened up on what makes the two athletes mentally tough. According to him, Osaka’s four Grand Slam titles and Biles’ seven Olympic medals do not just happen out of thin air.

“Going, you know, the distance in matches, closing out Grand Slam events, winning gold medals, you know, when all the pressure is on. That’s mental toughness. It’s not a synonym for mental health. Let’s be very clear about that,” Roddick concluded.

Most importantly, the former American professional has provided a voice of support for athletes opening up about mental health and shut down the critics who try to demean it. But as far as Osaka and Biles are concerned, the two continue to be courageous and inspire the world.

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