‘Time’s Running Out’ – Martina Navratilova Warns Naomi Osaka That It’s Time to Have a Serious ‘Gut Check’ About Her Tennis Career

Naomi Osaka did not have a great year. Recurrent injuries did not help her in becoming better, either. Her gameplay stayed disrupted and her fans waited for her strong comeback, to no avail. What does this mean? Tennis legend, Martina Navratilova, addressed the same, along with Osaka’s probable comeback to her best form.

Furthermore, she also talked about what she needs to do to get through this slump and rise once again.

Martina Navratilova gives a valuable piece of advice to Naomi Osaka

The legendary Czech-American player won 18 Grand Slam titles during her glorious career. Thus, her words on success cannot be ignored, even when you have won four major titles, like the Japanese star. On the matter of Naomi Osaka’s comeback, Navratilova had some views to present. During a private luncheon inside Dickies Arena at the WTA Finals, Navratilova had a Q&A session with a moderator and members of the media, where she talked about several topics, including Osaka’s struggles.

While talking about Osaka, Navratilova asked, “What is going on with her? Is she not playing at all?” She answered herself and said, “Maybe it was too much too soon.” She followed this up by talking about the things that are of the highest importance. Navratilova said, “But, you know, that’s when the gut check comes; do you really love the sport? It comes back to that.”

Navratilova understood the gravity behind the hustle of today’s culture, but she feels that money can make things easier. Detailing her experience, she said, “For six years, I did it all myself. Nowadays, so much is done for the players.” She also shed some light on the rising scrutiny of the people and said, “Because there is so much more attention, and everything is magnified.”

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However, she also talked about the flickering nature of it all and said, “At the same time, people forget about it. So you are a flash in the pan.” Navratilova advised players to stick to their own lives and said, “I think the players need to just stay in the moment, and if they love the sport, great, if they don’t, that’s OK, too.” Navratilova concluded by saying, “But figure it out, make up your mind because time’s running out.”

What has happened to Osaka?

Naomi Osaka rose to the top by winning four Grand Slam titles and defeating top-tier players like Serena Williams. After that, the scrutiny too increased and her performances were always a point of debate among the fans and the media. The Japanese player talked about the rising pressure on her performance and her issues with mental health. In 2022, Osaka tried to gain back her momentum, which she lost during her hiatus from the sport in 2021. And for a moment, her fans saw hope as she reached the finals of the Miami Open. However, the incumbent world no. 1, Iga Swiatek, defeated her in the tournament. This was not it.

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The former world no.1 faced recurring injuries this year, halting her progress. Her Achilles injury troubled her in the French Open, and after that, she had to withdraw from the Wimbledon Championship as well. Following that, the former US Open champion faced a shock first-round defeat in Flushing Meadows. This all has made people question the slump in her form and her chances of making it to the top.

Do you think Osaka can make a strong comeback in 2023?