In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, this month’s article will honor Naomi Osaka, tennis player and prominent AAPI athlete. Throughout her lengthy career in the sport, Osaka has proven herself to be an exceptional athlete, winning seven career titles and holding the number-one ranking in women’s tennis in 2019, but her impact extends far beyond the tennis court. Osaka has developed a reputation as one of the most influential mental health advocates in professional athletics, demonstrating immense courage in sharing her personal struggles with depression.
In 2021, following public expectations for a strong run at the Australian Open, Osaka shocked the tennis world by withdrawing from the tournament. In an article she wrote for TIME Magazine that same year, “Naomi Osaka: ‘It’s O.K. Not to Be O.K.’,” she touched on a topic of great profundity: the idea that struggling with mental health is not demonstrative of inadequacy or defectiveness, but rather common and normal.
Osaka expressed her belief that the widespread stigma equating mental health struggles with weakness is harmful, stating that everyone faces challenges at some point in life, and it is okay to acknowledge them. In her advocacy work, Osaka has truly embodied and lived the message of her article, “it’s O.K. to not be O.K., and it’s O.K. to talk about it.” One of Osaka’s most admirable qualities is that her staunch support of mental health advocacy efforts has never wavered. She has consistently spoken out, even in moments of significant personal difficulty such as her emotional first-round exit from the 2025 French Open. Despite the disappointment, she remained open and honest during the post-match press conference, continuing to highlight the importance of mental wellbeing in athletics.
Osaka has also taken her advocacy efforts beyond sharing personal testimony by partnering with several organizations focused on mental health. This includes Maybelline’s Brave Together campaign, aimed at supporting individuals struggling with anxiety and depression. Her efforts to normalize discussions of mental health have been critical in reducing harmful stigma around struggling and seeking help, especially in the world of sports.
Despite facing criticism from various media outlets and spectators, Osaka has continued to demonstrate remarkable perseverance while navigating the ups and downs of life as a professional athlete. She has openly dedicated time to work on herself, the resulting growth evident in her performance on the court and her work as a mental health advocate. Her influence has led to a much needed increase in transparency among athletes and has helped to normalize seeking support during times of struggle.
If you are or someone you know is struggling with mental health concerns, contact us to connect with one of our therapists who can help you on your wellness journey.