“I also think there is a side to Nick few people see..” – Osaka on what she admires about Kyrgios
The Japanese player believes Kyrgios has a big hear and she admires his quality of giving back
Nick Kyrgios, 2022 © AI / Reuters / Panoramic
Nick Kyrgios is a polarizing figure. Some love the Australian and some can’t stand him. But former world No 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is clearly among those cheering for Kyrgios, who makes a return to the tour at the start of the 2025 season after missing almost all of two years due to injuries.
The Japanese woman’s media and production company, Hana Kuma, includes the Good Trouble podcast, which is hosted by Kyrgios, a player who Osaka says she admires.
“Nick is a dynamic person both on and off the court,” Osaka told Harper’s Bazaar in a recent interview. “I am really drawn to people who are unapologetic about who they are and aren’t afraid to show all aspects of themselves. I also think there is a side to Nick few people see, but I can say he has a very big heart and, for him, giving back is really important, and that is a quality I admire about him.”
I am really drawn to people who are unapologetic about who they are and aren’t afraid to show all aspects of themselves.
Osaka, who has also battled mental health issues like Kyrgios has in the past, said that not letting the opinions of others deter you from your path, as the Australian has done, is essential to reach your goal.
“For me, you get to a point in your life and your career where you have to stop letting outside noise get to you … if you give anyone’s voice but your own credit, you will never get to where you hope to be.”
Osaka will begin her 2025 campaign in Auckland this year before heading to Melbourne, where she has won the Australian Open Grand Slam twice in the past.
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