NAOMI OSAKA REVEALS the Message Serena Williams Sent Her After their US Open Final Match!

What I was dealing with at the time, feeling ashamed, going against. everything an athlete stood for. After I. pulled out of the French Open, I flew. back home to LA and I just stayed in my. house. I didn't want to see the outside. world. Ranked as number one in the world in. women's singles. A four-time Grand Slam. tennis champ, Naomi Osaka. Your dad wanted to train you because he. was reading about Richard Williams and. what he'd done with the Williams.

sisters. How aware were you of that when. you were growing up? >> Me and my sister and my dad on a tennis. court at least eight hours during the. day. >> Yeah. I began to think to myself like, it would be very weird if I didn't make. it. Your vulnerable sharing of your mental. health journey, what does it feel like. looking back on that? >> Honestly, I'm a little bit embarrassed. on how I went about it. What was the process like going from. giving birth to then getting back on the.

court? >> Maybe seven to 10 days, I started. training again. Wow. My whole identity. as I knew it was being a tennis player. I would value what my value was as a. person on whether I won or lost. >> What was the feeling like when you won. your first Grand Slam? >> When I was growing up, I had dreams of. playing Serena in my first Grand Slam. final. It felt like a dream came true. I. was just reading comments of people. saying that I didn't deserve to win.

The number one health and wellness. podcast. Jay Shetty. Jay Shetty. The. one, the only Jay Shetty. Naomi, it's wonderful to have you here. Thank you. It's nice to be here. >> I really meant it. I've been wanting to. talk to you for so long. I thought. your open sharing and vulnerable sharing. of your mental health journey was so. brave and courageous. What does it feel. like looking back on that 3 years now?

Honestly, I'm a little bit embarrassed. on how I went about it, but I'm really. glad that I did open up. It created a. pathway for more discussions to be had. and I also feel like. athletes were seen as more than just, I. guess, stone cold in a way. So. Yeah, why why embarrassed though now? I don't. know. Like I I just. since I go on things, like I go about. things on a whim a little bit. I I. sometimes make decisions without fully.

thinking them through all the way. because it's such an emotional thing and. when I was in that moment, like I was. living it and I think everyone could see. that I was clearly living it, but I feel. like maybe I could have been a little. bit better with my words or how I. presented myself. >> Well, I think it came across really. beautifully and for whatever it's worth, I felt that it really gave so many more. athletes the permission to also open up, to also share how they were feeling and. you're so right. I think it humanized a.

lot of athletes that are often just seen. as these high-performing beings and then. you don't realize that they have a. conversation in their mind. You just. said there and you were saying earlier. that sometimes you do thing on a whim or. sometimes you wing it. Where does that. come from? Is that from your childhood? Did that start early? Maybe it's a. personality thing, but um people don't. know I'm I'm very impulsive actually. Um. and I'm just very quick to like want to. get things done. So, yeah, I do think.

it's a childhood trait and uh. maybe my mom can tell me more stories. about that. I heard her tell a story. about how when we were younger, me and. my sister, she took us to a fountain and. all of a sudden I just jumped in the. fountain. So, there's probably a bunch. more stories like that that she could. tell me. Yeah, and where has that trait. kind of got you in trouble and when has. it actually been a really helpful trait? The moments that it's gotten me in. trouble, people know about those.

moments, but I think in times that it's. really helped, I feel it's helped a lot. on the tennis court just because I often. do put a little bit of pressure on. myself to be, I guess, flashy in a way. Like I want to make it entertaining for. the people that watch and um sometimes. in my mind I have this image of Monfils. He's like one of my favorite tennis. players and I think, you know, maybe I. should do something like that. Some of. those shots work and some of them don't, but I think it's fun to try regardless.

Yeah, definitely. It's so It's so. interesting hearing about athletes. speaking about being impulsive and. being, you know, because I feel like so. much of the sport to us as outsiders. looks so strategic and intentional and. focused. How do you balance that. creativity and impulsiveness with more. focus and planning and intentionality? It's something that I've just learned. throughout playing the sport. I've been. playing since I was three, so. it's kind of ingrained in me and I feel.

like every tennis player has their own, I guess, signature blueprint or formula. that they just grew up with and. um some people you see it a lot, like. you can kind of tell that they're the. creative people, like Ons Jabeur, and. then some other people you can just tell. that they're focused on, you know, the the plays that will lead them to. victory. So, I find myself being kind of. a half and half person. Yeah, you moved. from Japan to America when you were 4.

years old. Three. Three. Okay, what if. anything do you remember from that time? Um I remember my sister kicking me in. the head. Really? Wow, that's. impressive. And I also remember going to. the park a lot. Um I don't know if. you're familiar with Japanese food, but. my mom used to get us nikuman. Um, so they're like steamed buns and. yeah, just. just having a fun time in Japan as a. kid. >> And then what was it like coming to.

America at that time and settling in? Does that feel like a natural transition. or were there certain. learnings that you had to have? From my. memories, like it was pretty easy. Um, I. don't think I was too attached to Japan. I wasn't too thrilled to be in America. either, but it's just the life that I. had. I heard that my sister had a. tougher time because she was older and. you know, she only spoke Japanese. So at. school, and this is a funny story which is kind. of makes me a little mad now, but um,

it's just something that happened. Um, apparently me and my sister, we only. spoke Japanese. and my teacher told my mom to stop. speaking to us in Japanese. So that's. kind of how I I forgot most of it. So. yeah. So you don't speak Japanese. anymore? I do, but like to people I'm. comfortable with. >> Right. >> Yeah. Right. So wait, your teacher told. your mom not to talk to you and your. sister in Japanese. Yes. So that you'd. get more comfortable with English. And.

why why does that make you mad now? I. feel like being bilingual is such a a. good trait and also we went to a English. school, like American. So they spoke. English there anyways, so we would have. eventually gotten to learn how to speak. English. Yeah. And language is such a. beautiful way to preserve culture. Yeah. And it preserves an intimacy as well. Like you said that people you're close. to you'll still speak in Japanese and I. feel like there's an intimacy when. you're speaking your own language with.

someone, right? Yeah, I also feel like. there's a way to convey things that. sometimes I can't convey it in English, so I have to say it in Japanese and. there's like a fluctuation or something. like that that um it can't be. translated. >> Yeah, I agree with that. I feel like. that way about Hindi. So, Hindi's obviously the national. language of India and I feel like there. are so many beautiful poetic words in. Hindi that if I try and say them in. English, they just sound basic. Yeah. But in Hindi, they're really. spectacular. So, no, I I I can relate to.

that. Your dad, at least from what I. read, your dad wanted to train you. because he was reading about Richard. Williams and what he'd done with the. Williams sisters. And I think at one. point he even said that I had a. blueprint, I knew what I needed to do, and I know I had to follow it. What was. it like living that blueprint and with. your dad? How aware were you of that. when you were growing up? I heard of. that story later on also. Um but yeah, I. think living in that blueprint was.

something that I just grew used to. Um. it was kind of just me and my sister and. my dad on a tennis court for like at. least 8 hours during the day. >> Yeah. Um so, it was it was kind of one of. those things where I began to think to. myself like it would be very weird if I. didn't make it and I had no choice to. because this was, you know, this was my. life and um I was just so dedicated. towards it, but. I find it really funny that he said that.

there is a exact blueprint. >> Have you ever asked him about any. questions about that time when he was. training you for 8 hours a day and what. was going through his mind and what were. his emotions? My dad's kind of a stoic. guy, so he doesn't really talk as often. and when he does, it's like to randomly. crack a joke. The family all had a dream. and we all were trying our best to. achieve it and um it's kind of. interesting to look back on it because. it wasn't that long ago. Did you ever. watch King Richard with your family? I.

watched it by myself on the plane um and. I thought it was really fascinating. because. it did feel a little familiar in some. parts. and I think it's just like the goal of. the whole family just trying their best. and it was really touching for me. >> Was it something that really brought you. all closer together when you were young? Yeah, I think you know, but my family. wasn't that big. It was just me and my. sister and my mom and my dad and growing. up we lived in New York. So I was around.

my grandma and my cousins at the time. but then we moved to Florida when I was. like eight or so. And then we didn't. have any family members. I would. definitely say we were extremely close. Apart from your amazing fashion, how did. Japanese culture and Asian culture, how. has it influenced and inspired you from. a mindset perspective or even from a. lifestyle perspective? What are the. parts of it that still live and breathe. in your life today? It's interesting to. be asked questions like that because I. feel like.

it's so hard to explain but I think one. of the biggest things that people may. not know about Haiti or Haitian culture. I don't even know if it's a culture just. everyone's personality is like that but. they'll give even though they have. nothing to give. I don't want to say it's one of my. favorite parts but it's one of the most. touching parts whenever I go to Haiti. like. everyone's just so excited to interact. and you know, be as hospitable as.

possible and. just show their love and appreciation. for people coming to Haiti and people. that love Haiti. So I try to incorporate. that in my own way in in my own. personality. And then of course for the Japanese. side, I think. this one's going to be a little funny. but. I think Japan's very like. strict. Not strict but like very prompt. and I think one of the funniest things. was that one one of my trainers said.

that you know, it's funny that you go to. different countries and the bus time is. like 10:00 and the bus can leave at. 10:03, but in Japan when it's at 10:00, it leaves at 10:00. So, yeah, trying to be very um. on task. >> Mhm. Yeah, I know. I I love learning. about. different cultures or as you said. communities, traits, and I mean that. what you just said about giving you room. when you don't have something to give. I. mean, that's really powerful and really.

beautiful and. and and it's tough as well. It's hard as. well when when someone's actually having. to go through that and that generosity. it's so interesting, isn't it? Like I. always think we think when I have more, then I'll give more. And actually, it's. almost like no, if I can give what I. have today, then then I'll continue to. give. And I remember being exposed to that. culture in India as well. And I think. Asian and South Asian places definitely. I places I visited have some of that. culture. And and the orderly and. promptness and the discipline definitely.

make sense. So, you've got that perfect. Ying and Yang of being impulsive and. disciplined. What's the most disciplined. thing you do every day right now? This. is going to sound a little unhinged. Um. not eating rice, which is really. difficult for me because. >> Explain. I just feel like as a Asian and. Caribbean person, like rice is such a. staple in both foods and both cultures. Um. but I'm trying to be really strict with.

myself and really disciplined and. not eating any rice is definitely. the most disciplined thing that I have. to do right now. >> I love that. Is rice usually like a. daily. like usually like a daily staple? Yeah, you know, like a couple spoonfuls here. and there. Yeah. So, now no rice. How. long has it been? It's honestly been a. couple of weeks. So, I'm hoping to keep. this up until Australia. That's amazing. That's awesome. I know I. know what that feels like when you're.

like trying to swear off My my big thing. sugar. I'm just like constantly trying. to stay off sugar and it's so hard cuz. I'm I've been addicted to sugar in the. past. >> Oh, so you have a sweet tooth. >> I have a big sweet tooth. Like you you. put anything with chocolate in front of. me and it will be devoured. It's like my. favorite thing in the world, but I've. I've been building a healthier. relationship out with sugar. It's It's. been pretty tough, but I've got there as. well. And what about the other side? What's something that you kind of get. spontaneously the urge to do right now? What are some of the more impulsive.

things you end up doing right now? One. of my favorite things to do is like go. for a drive at night time. Sometimes. when I do that, people like to race, so. sometimes I may or may not potentially. end up racing them as well. >> I don't know. It's kind of one of my. guilty pleasures because I feel like you. you get to see a crowd of people that. you don't typically see, especially on. the LA highways. Yeah, I would say. that's probably one of the last. impulsive things I've done. >> That is that is brilliant. I'm so glad I. asked the question. Do you have a really.

cool car as well? Potentially. I love that. I'm I'm the person who. avoids the race. So I used to be like. that in my teenage years. I loved it. If. someone wanted to race me, and it's so. funny cuz I have a much faster car today. than I did when I was a teenager, but I. remember when I was a teenager, I would. race anyone. Even if I I was driving my. little Vauxhall Corsa, which is like If. I showed you a picture of the car later. on, you'd laugh. It's like this really. old model. I'd race anyone. I don't care. what they were driving. Now I avoid the. race. Do you Do you usually win?

Uh I I tell myself I have no choice. So, um honestly though, I do feel you on. like avoiding the race now because I. think as I've gotten older, I've become. a lot more safe. Like for example, when. I was young, turbulence on airplanes. used to excite me. I used to think of. them as like free roller coaster rides, but now I do get a little worried. sometimes because I think of my daughter. and. all the things that I want to do with.

her when she grows up. So, yeah, when. people start driving past a certain. level of crazy, then I'm like, "Okay, you got it." Do these people know that. they're racing against Naomi Osaka? Or. no, you're like tinted windows, they. can't tell who they're racing. >> My windows are very, very tinted. So, they have no idea that they just got. beat by. >> They wouldn't be able to see me. They. would see the dust. You're like you're like they're not even. close. I love that. That's That's so. funny. When I began to become a little.

bit more known, more and more people. entered those press conferences and I. felt like they weren't treating me like. I was a human. It was more like let's. ask her a question to get this like one. liner this article grabs. So, that's kind of where I started to become. a little bit fearful. I think people can. see that I became a little bit more. closed off. I always used to compare. myself to people and. I think especially being a tennis. player, you count titles, you count.

wins, and you kind of size yourself up. against other people your age or in your. division. No one can ever predict. someone else's path. I just realized. like some people will understand that. and some people won't and it's not my. job to convince people of that. It's. amazing how there there's certain things. that we all need as an outlet and be. impulsive about and just kind of let go. And do you think that when you were. working up to win,

you know, the first US Open that you did. it like 20 years old, was your life very different then? Like. could you have impulse? Or was the. preparation for that so strategic and. focused and developed? What was that. like? Every day kind of looked the exact. same to the point where I could predict. where I'm going to be at a certain. minute. So, in that regard, my life has. definitely changed a lot. Preparation is. pretty much the same. The will to win is. the same. Um.

and I would think the impulses are also. the same. The outlets are just. different. >> Oh, interesting. Yeah. How did you. express your impulses at that time? How. did they come through and how were they. alike? I used to be. chronically online. So, um I used to play a lot of video. games. Um I used to read a lot of manga. or. fake online shops. So, I'd put things in. my cart and just never buy them. And I.

would say, yeah, I guess the impulse. would be to like buy them. Um but. yeah, I think, you know, now, obviously, I don't play games as much because I. don't have that much time for it, but. yeah. How does that work when you fill. your cart up with stuff and then don't. buy it? Like, walk me through that. It's. like. you go into a mall and you're window. shopping. So, >> Right. I find it funny sometimes because. I like to go to stores that have like. vintage or um like one-of-one items, and.

I get so mad when people buy what's in. my cart. Like, wow, how dare you? Um But. you weren't going to buy it anyway. No, but it's nice to know it's there in case. I do have an impulse. Yeah, I love that. What what was the feeling like when you. won your first Grand Slam at the US Open. such a young age? Like, what was that. feeling like? I think I even have. this picture. Like, when you see that. Can you see that or is it Are you.

squinting now? I'm squinting, but I can. I can tell. Yeah. >> What what was that feeling like? Um. Do you know, um. I think. when I was growing up, I had dreams of. playing Serena in a in my first Grand. Slam final, if even a Grand Slam final. So, it it felt like a dream came true,

but at the same time, like all the. circumstances surrounding that was not a. dream come true, and it was I don't. know, like some people didn't think it. was like a clean victory, and I felt. like I had to constantly prove people. wrong, and you know, that situation was. a little unfortunate, um but I'm glad I. won the Australian Open right after. that, but. in that moment, it was a very very. strange mixture of emotions.

>> Mhm. Yeah, it's it's so hard when. what was it? It was happening recently, actually. I don't know if you follow. soccer at all. >> Mhm. And I'm a big soccer fan, and uh. Pep Guardiola, who's the manager of. Manchester City, and he's probably one. of the best managers of all time in the. sport of soccer internationally. And. he's on his worst run ever. So, he's. just lost seven games in a row, and he's. never done that in his entire career. In. his whole career, he's never lost more. than, I think, two games in a row.

>> Oh, wow. >> is the first time his team, he's a. manager, has lost seven games in a row, and the opposition on the weekend, literally just this weekend that just. went by, they were shouting, "You're. going to get sacked in the morning.". >> Ooh. And so, you know, and he was. reacting to that. He's he's truly, like, he's in the top two discussion of the. best coaches in soccer of all time, and. he was receiving that treatment. And. it's really interesting, because you. watch even someone like, again, I'm. using soccer examples, because that's a. sport I know well, but I mean, even. Novak, who, you know, is a good friend,

he's been on the show, like, the amount. of stress that he receives from the fans. and the audience as well, like, he. hasn't had the easiest road. What did. you turn to in that moment? Because. you've just won something, but there's. all that feeling. How do you kind of. reconcile that? And now when you're. looking back, how have you kind of. processed that? You know what's funny is. if you asked me this like 3 years ago, I. definitely would have started crying. Oh, wow. For a very long time, I didn't. process it because I didn't want to. Just I'm the type of person that I'll.

keep my head down and just keep working. hard and you know, hopefully I'll get to. where I want to be, but for that being. the first Grand Slam and that kind of. being the introduction into like. the world um for non-tennis fans, it was. definitely really difficult for me and I. think no amount of media training could. have pro- um like. processed me for that. Why would you. have cried 3 years ago? I just have this. very vivid memory of winning, going back.

to my hotel, and the US Open because um. you kind of get back to your hotel if. you have a night match at like 1:00 a.m. or something like that. >> I've been, yeah. Yeah, doing treatment. um because I was going to go play a. tournament in Tokyo right after that. And. I was just reading comments of people. saying that I. didn't deserve to win or like. I didn't win fairly. And.

I don't know, it just it just really. sucked. Yeah. >> Yeah, I know. That's really fair. I. mean, I don't think that would ever be a good. feeling. It's like the worst. Did you. speak to Serena after that as well? Yeah, she's actually really kind and. sent me a message um and I sent her a. message back, but I always get so. starstruck by her. Like, I wrote my. third grade report. on her. >> Wow. I just remember getting the message. and being like, "No way." Um and then. sending a response and immediately.

putting it on mute because I just. couldn't handle. What was the report about? >> the school was asking like who's your. role model and why is um the person your. role model and stuff like that. >> What what did you write? Do you. remember? I I mean, I think I wrote like my role. model is Serena and then I had like cut. out like a little printed photo of her. um because she's the greatest tennis. player of all time um. and she know she's like an amazing role.

model figure for me and stuff like that. >> I I love that. And then did you guys. Have you guys met since then and spoken. since then as well at more tournaments? >> we've met since then. We've also played. since then, so. >> Yeah. What was that like playing her. again and then meeting her again after. that? I think I've played her like. two or three times after that and the. most recent time was like. the second Australian Open that I won, but prior to the Australian Open, um we. were having like the COVID.

lockdown in Australia, so um I was a. part of the same group she was and her. daughter was there and um I was still. super starstruck. I think I'll always be. starstruck by her, but she asked me if I. could take a photo with her daughter and. I felt so honored. I was like, "Wow, of. course I will." That's awesome. Wow, what a special feeling. I love that for. your hero to then be asking you to take. a picture with their daughter. That's. pretty epic. How does that feel to.

to young Naomi? Very unbelievable, but. also now after having my daughter, I. realize how important it is to have um. good role models and I'm. I don't know. I'm glad that I. potentially am one to somebody. Yeah, I. think I I think you are for to a lot of. people. I think it's the best feeling in. the world when your heroes live up to. the versions of them you had in your. mind. I feel like I've been so fortunate. to meet so many of my heroes and you. know, they've they've lived up to it and.

I feel like. I'm always excited to meet my heroes. now. I know that old cliche of never. meet your heroes. Um I'm not sure. I think meeting some of. them has been one of the best. experiences some of the best experiences. of my life at least. Sounds like yours, too. How how's your life changed for you. from the inside. becoming a mother? And you know, like you said, just living. this disciplined, focused, every day. kind of looks like the same building up.

to win, you know, four Grand Slams and. now, you know, living a very different. life. I'm guessing every day is. definitely not the same. Like what's. changed for you? How's that affected. your identity and even self-perception? Becoming a mother has definitely changed. my life a lot. Um internally, I feel. I've become a lot more patient um and. also in a weird way more carefree. I. think there is a lot of things that um. used to bother me in the past or I used. to hold on to and now I just kind of see.

them as I don't know, pointless. Maybe. pointless is a little bit too big of a. word, but. um Like what? Huh, you always put me on the spot, huh? Um You said you like winging it, so I'm. giving you lots of Every time I ask you. one of these questions, you give an. amazing answer, so I'm like I'm trying. Yeah, just trying to play tennis with. you right now. It's just like the the. harder shot I give you, the better you. give it back, so Ah, I think you won. this rally.

Um. >> I'll take that. I'll take it. One of the. biggest things for me was that my whole. identity as I knew it was being a tennis. player. So I would, I guess, value my my. life or what my value was as a person on. whether I won or lost. And now um I don't know, I'm not saying. being a mother is my entire being, but I. see that there's so much more to life. and there's so much that I'm able to, I. guess, give to another person in regards.

to how they feel. Like my daughter, she. smiles so much when I'm around her and. it just makes my day. So, I no longer. really feel like, you know, my life is. over if I lose a tennis match or. something like that. It's actually quite. profound to hear that because I can. imagine that when you work that hard at. something and you become as good as you. are at that thing, it becomes really then natural for you. to put all your self-worth and all your. self-esteem into it. And then now your whole life revolves.

around it, the way people speak to you, the way people introduce you, the way, you know, every conversation becomes. about that. How have you detached from. like being ranked number one and then. being like, "Well, now my life is. moving." Like. has that been a part of that? How do you. How do you detach and disconnect from. that kind of. strong identity and how it was made? I. think it's been a series of learning. events um and. I can't necessarily name to you what.

happened because in some ways I feel. like I just woke up one day and this. clicked or I just woke up another day. and another thought clicked. I feel like. I've been really fortunate to have um. I guess people that care about me and. they've kind of reinforced the idea. that, you know, this isn't the like main chapter of your. life. Yes, this has helped you like be. in positions like sitting here right now. talking to you, but. um it's not your entire self-worth.

Yeah, I think that's such a powerful. message and I hope everyone hears that, you know, loud and clear. I think it's. so easy. I You're reminding me of an. episode we did with Kevin Hart. And. Kevin was talking about how at one point. he just thought he was like unstoppable. and unbeatable. And it led to him making so many bad. decisions and he was talking about how. the best thing he did was to. not in these words, but paraphrasing. like embracing his own insignificance, like recognizing that one day.

he wouldn't be who he is and that that. would be okay, too. And it's it's so. interesting because I feel like we're. all trying to get to that place that. we're all trying to get to this place of. like I'm already enough. and I'm okay and you. I feel like writing and journaling is. such a big part of who you are. Like. even hearing about your school report. and then the post you put up like 3 days. ago. And when I read that I just thought wow, you're so reflective, you're so. thoughtful. Like is that a habit that.

you've had obviously that was something. you shared publicly, but just that habit. of being able to explain your thoughts. and connect them in that way. Is that. something you do often? Is that a habit. you've built over time? I think it. started. when I was a early teenager maybe. Um. and ironically I used to hate writing. because I remember my English teachers. kind of failing me almost because my. grammar was always incorrect. So I don't.

know. I I used to try to avoid things. that I knew I wasn't good at and writing. was one of them, but I think one day I. wanted to get my words out and I'm not. honestly not the greatest speaker. I I. kind of title myself that, so I wanted. to get my words out in the way that I. wanted to convey myself and writing was. the easiest tool for that. So um it just. kind of built up over the years. >> Do you write daily? Is journaling like a. daily practice? >> Yeah, I try to write daily. I try to.

write my thoughts, what I feel or what. I'm grateful for or what I've learned in. this day. Wow, did you do you journal in. the morning or the evening? So have you. already journaled today or It kind of. changes. Like depending on my mood, depending if I'm running out the door. and I'm late for practice. Was what you. shared 3 days ago part of your. journaling practice? And then, how do. you decide when you write something. whether to share it publicly or whether. to hold it in for yourself? So, what I. wrote 3 days ago was like a little. snippet of a book that I'm writing. Um,

that I don't even know if I. am doing a disservice to books by. calling it a book, but I would say that. it's. it's kind of my ramblings. Um, I tend to think things through in my own. head a lot. And it's. definitely much clearer for me if I. write it down and see it. And I don't. know, I think the way I decide to post. it publicly or share it publicly is if I. feel internally it would help someone. Mhm. You should definitely write that book.

It It definitely, I found it to to be very introspective. And but at the same time, when you sometimes read someone's. journal entry, it only makes sense to them. But it made sense to me, too. And so, I think being able to relate to. it in that way is what made it a. dialogue. Like, I felt like I was. invited into the conversation and. invited into what you were trying to. share. And. I think the first line of what you said. was You know, the cringe is coming.

There's no cringe. Uh, so you said, "Growing up, I never really liked. myself." And then, you went on to say, "While that statement is bold, I also. wouldn't say I disliked myself, either.". And I found that really interesting. I. want to hear your thoughts on that. because I never thought my life was. easy, but I never thought my life was. hard. I just knew it was my life. That's. how I've always felt growing up. So, when you said that, that's what I. thought of. Why were you intrigued in. sharing that? And what were you. reflecting on there? Um, I honestly, I. was kind of reflecting on what you just.

said. Like, growing up, um, we would be constantly. on the tennis court, and I would watch. other kids go to summer vacation or um. not have to shovel the snow off the. court to hit tennis balls. And I would always think, "Dang, like. I kind of want to be someone else." But. at the same time, like I love my mom, I. love my dad, I love my sister. I kind of like my life, you know? Um. I think it's a really weird like thought.

process and. I think especially growing up and um. seeing tabloids, seeing pop singers, thinking, "Wow, like their life must be. so perfect. I'd rather prefer to be them. than to be me right now.". And then eventually getting to the point. where you like mature and you grow up. and you're so grateful for the life that. you have. So, um it was kind of accumulation of years. Yeah, can you sing?

Um if we're doing karaoke and it has to. be a very specific song. >> Well, what's your karaoke song? Um I. really love Bohemian Rhapsody. >> Oh, wow. Okay, that's not an easy one. either. That Okay, we're going to have to go. karaoke one time, Sacha. Okay, only in Tokyo though. Only in. Tokyo? What are the karaoke places like. in Tokyo? I think they're really fun. Like um some people take it very. seriously. So, I've seen videos online. of people being in there for hours just. practicing their their vocal training.

So. We're going to karaoke party to hear. this. I I I feel like I'm mentally. scarred from going to karaoke because I. worked at a company after I worked at a. company in what? 2013 and as part of the. training we went to Chicago and we went. to a karaoke bar. So, there's a bunch of. Brits in Chicago at this karaoke bar. And all the girls are doing karaoke, the. guys were kind of trying to act cool. I. can't sing to save my life and none of. my friends could either. So, we were. trying not to, you know, get too. involved. And then one of our friends.

got up, shout out to Ollie who I'm not. friends I don't I'm not in touch with. him anymore, but anyway, this guy called. Ollie from work. turns up and he decides to sing uh Hound. Dog, Elvis. And he's like dancing with the waitress, he's like pulling the chair up, he's. like doing all this stuff. And all of. the boys at school were like, we can. never go and do karaoke ever again cuz. he was so good. Uh shoutout Ollie if. you're listening, uh wherever you are, you are amazing at karaoke. What What I. found so interesting about that. reflection, that's where it came from we. were talking about your post,

is. just the way There was one thing that. you said, I want to pick another thing. that really that really stood out to me. In my mind, everyone was on a racetrack. and I had an immense fear of being. lapped or falling behind. And then you say, "Strangely enough, there are still moments today where I. feel like I'm behind. That thought. might never truly go away even though I. know how absurd it is.". Have you made peace with the idea that. you don't think that thought will ever.

go away? Yeah. Um How did you do that? I don't know. It used to bother me a. lot. Like I I always used to compare. myself to people and. um I think especially being a tennis. player, you count titles, you count. wins, and you kind of size yourself up. against other people your age or in your. division. Um. and I'd always feel like constantly on. this race of like. who's better, who's going to be better,

who's not doing as well, and um that's. kind of transferred, I guess, onto me as. a person. It's definitely gotten a lot better, um. but I feel like for me, it's kind of on. the same. line as being very competitive. I'm a. very competitive person, so I don't. think I'll ever truly. not try to size myself up against other. people. Yeah, it's it's that weird. balance, isn't it? It's like how do you. stay competitive and also be content?

Because you don't want to be lost being. so competitive that your competitiveness. becomes constant comparison. >> Mhm. And we always hear the old cliche of. well, compete against your old self. Do. you find that to be true now that you're. playing tennis again after being a mom? Like is that something you're having to. do or do you disagree and you actually. think it is still about being. competitive on the court? You know. what's funny is I think I spent most of. this year chasing my old self or my.

former shadow and um I don't necessarily. think that's the way to go. I think, you. know, you were who you were and now. you're more beautiful, more mature. version of that and it would kind of be. doing your own self a disservice to. constantly compare and. I don't know. I think there's beauty in. stepping into the present looking um. towards the future. So I no longer. compare myself to my old version and I.

I don't know. I I try to find myself. more excited for what I could be. Mhm. What does that look like sometimes when. you kind of get into that? What's. pulling you? What vision comes to mind? I think the vision that comes to mind. isn't necessarily like winning as many. trophies as I can which that would be. great and I I am hopeful that that will. happen in the future, but I guess being. happy to learn more, to meet new people, to. learn from them.

and just learn more about myself. throughout those journeys. I find that. as a tennis player I'm quite stubborn. So. it's very hard for me to take advice. from someone that I don't trust and in. actuality like talking to people I kind. of learn new things or learn new tips. and tricks. Yeah. What do you wish you. knew about motherhood before you became. a mother? You know, it's funny. I don't think there's really. anything that can prepare you for being.

a mom. Like I read so many books and. nothing really took me by surprise. because I read so many books. >> ones you recommend or any advice that. really stood true? So, something you. wish to know. I wish to know that um. after certain age, the baby will just. poo in the tub and you're just going to. have to accept it. And. my daughter, I remember there was there. was one night she. did a number two in the tub and she.

looked at me. She screamed. She said, "Yucky." And she walked away from it. while like expecting me to pick it up. and I was like, "Okay, I guess that's. fine." Like we're just going to clean. this up and restart the bath. So, yeah, I guess that that's something I wish I. knew and then. what was the other question? >> No, no, that I was saying if there was a. book or something an advice from a book. that stood true and that really helped. Before you give birth, um you could have. like a birthing class. So, I did that um.

and while I was in labor, I did. absolutely none of those tips and. tricks. So, uh yeah, I feel like also with. motherhood or with pregnancy, everyone's. journey is so different. >> Mhm. What was the process like going. from giving birth to then getting back. on the court? Even back to training, not. even a game, but like to get back to. training, what did that look like for. you? Um it was really difficult um just. because um for me with my daughter while.

I was pregnant, um I was constantly sick. and the only way I could alleviate that. is through like. eating stuff to like settle the stomach. pain. Um so I ended up gaining a lot of. weight. Um so I I really needed to burn. that off and I'm the type of person that. I'll train during pregnancy even though. people um, have half and half opinions. on that. Um, so I ended up training. I would say almost up until she was.

born. And then immediately after like. maybe 7 to 10 days, I started training. again. >> Wow. And I know that caused a little bit. of a stir online. Um, but I don't know. I think, you know, my body's used to. training I've done that since I was. super young and. uh, I wouldn't recommend it to I guess. people that don't work out often, but. >> Mhm. What was the kind of stir online? It was just people saying that I need to. heal more and stuff like that, but.

actually like after I gave birth, um, I. remember the nurse asking me if I needed. like a wheelchair to the bathroom and I. had to convince her that I was fine and. I could walk around by myself and stuff. like that. So, I just feel like bodies. are very different. >> Mhm. Yeah, it's it's so interesting how. we still feel we can tell people what to. do and when it's right for us to know. what's right for them. And and this kind. of view of like, oh well, I know what's. best for you right now without living. and walking in your shoes. You've You've.

experienced a lot of that like kind of. like snapback culture and that feeling. of like people. kind of you know, I've seen some. interviews where I just felt I felt. embarrassed for the person asking you, but I felt worse for you that someone. would even ask you questions like that. and you're awesome cuz you would just. call them out and you're not worried. about like, you know, making it known. How how have you got good at doing that? Because I think so many people would get. scared or be shy or be but you you know, you're okay with the fact of like, hey, I don't think that's a great question to.

ask, you know, which I respect. I don't. know. I feel like my personality type is. very honest. Like I I pride myself on. being very straightforward and honest. and that's kind of what's gotten me in. trouble quite a couple times, but I. guess when we're doing a press. conference, I see the people on the. other side of the table as humans. And. I would say that's also where the line. started to get blurred for me a little. bit is because I've been doing press. conferences since I was.

like 16, 17. And then, um, obviously. when I became to when I began to become. a little bit more known, more and more. people entered those press conferences. and I felt like they weren't treating me. like I was a human. Um, it was more like. let's ask her a question to get this. like one-liner this article grab. So, that's kind of where I started to become. a little bit fearful. I think people can. see that I became a little bit more. closed off. >> Mhm, yeah, which is natural. I mean,

going back to what we were talking about. King Richard, I still remember that. scene where like her dad has to stop the. interviewer from asking her those. questions because he's like she's like. 15 years old. And and it's interesting, you know, the kind of questions that I. think a lot of, like I said, athletes, managers, coaches get asked. And we've. seen a lot of athletes in the past 12. months, I feel like really there was a. Giannis who came out and he, you know, I. think they were like, "Oh, well, what is. it going to be like when you don't win. the championship this year?" And he was.

like, "Well, do you get promoted every. year?" He's like, "You don't. So, you. know, we're not going to win the. championship every year and that doesn't. mean we failed." How have you We talked. about you comparing yourself to others, but when people from the outside are. comparing you to other people, how have. you dealt with that? Like how have you. kind of processed that? It's easy to. think about like for me, I can brush. that off quite easily because I know. it's my life and I'm living it. I know. that the decisions that I make are going. to be very different to, um, other.

people's decisions and, um, I don't. know. It's it's. No one can ever predict someone else's. path. I just realized like some people. will understand that and some people. won't and it's not my job to convince um. people of that. But at the same time, I. guess um seeing comparisons is hard. because you can wonder, I guess. I I. think for me the most dangerous thing is. the the wonder. I wonder if they're. right or I wonder if, you know, um.

I wonder how they're seeing things like. that. >> Yeah, yeah. That's It's so natural and. so real. I literally had a friend reach. out to me yesterday. And she was just like, "Jay, I've I've. got this really big launch coming up in. in my life and her career.". And she was like, "But I was watching. one of my friends and he had his big. launch event and then I was comparing. mine to his and you know, and and I. think it's something we all do. I know I. do it, too. Like it's such a natural. thing and and I loved what you said. earlier that.

it's just a thought you have to make. peace with that. The thought's going to. come up. Like we're not going to be able. to get away with that. thought. We're not going to be able to. avoid that thought. And it's what we do with that thought. and it's how we respond to it that makes. all the difference. And this desire for. that thought to never appear. and to never happen again, that's what. kind of causes us so much tension. Mhm. It's almost like the day we accept that. you can't avoid a thought even if it's. not peaceful is the day you find peace. because you just realize that you can't.

keep resisting it and you can't push it. away and then all of a sudden it loses. its power on you. I don't know if that. resonates or makes sense at all. Yeah, I. would say it definitely makes sense. I. think even trying to avoid a thought. makes it much stronger. For me, I I. found myself often. trying to meditate um when I have a lot. of thoughts. I I love listening to ocean. noises or rain. I think water has a very. powerful effect on me and.

I don't try to push thoughts away. I try. to welcome them and not solve them, but. figure out why they're coming in in. abundance. When did you start. meditating? Um. I think honestly before my first US Open. win. Wow. Yeah. What How did you get. introduced to it? I didn't really get. introduced to it. I just began noticing. like I really enjoyed rainy days and I. began wondering what was the cause of.

that and why did it cause me so much. peace and um I knew Grand Slams were um. particularly first rounds. They were. very stressful and so I just started. listening to rain noises um I guess the. night before matches. How does it feel. living in LA when we don't get a lot of. rainy days? Um that doesn't bother me that much. I. used to live in Florida and we would get. like random rain storms and um I don't. know. It was fun, but it was also a.

little bit chaotic for practice. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's I love that. self-awareness of being able to connect. rainy days to water sounds and and rain. sounds. I think. yeah, it's so interesting. It's I I love. water sound, too. I find it so soothing. and calming and and beautiful and it's. such a interesting thing. I was like the. fact that you never got introduced to. meditation but were able to come to it. of your own self of. recognizing what you. you know, what connects with you and. what makes you feel calm. That's pretty. awesome. Is it something you still.

practice now or has it evolved at all? No, it's definitely something I practice. now. I have a app on my phone um that. also does brain waves while um having. the water noises and I listen to it. every night. We've been talking a lot. about like disconnecting and detaching. from previous versions of ourself. Uh you've talked about how like. getting your mom to like, you know, not. work as hard was such a a goal for. wanting to become a successful tennis. player. What was it like when you. reached that goal when you could.

actually relieve her of all that. pressure? It was a very joyful day, um, but at the same time. it was a little difficult for me because. it was a goal that I've set, um, for. myself since I was very young and I. almost felt a little lost, like I had to. immediately set a new goal for myself. I. mean, it was awesome to see her not work. anymore, um, but just that like. immediate race to set a new goal for. myself and to set a new standard was. something that, um, I struggled with for.

maybe a couple days. Yeah, yeah. I mean, I can imagine it being harder than that. because I feel like that's such a strong. why, like such a strong purpose of. wanting your mom not to have to work. that hard and that has so much meaning. to it, has so much gravitas to it. Often. goals are like, "Oh, I want to win. something." Or "I want to get. somewhere." And then when you make it. about service or helping your mother or. helping someone, it almost gets so much. deeper. I can imagine it's really hard to find a. goal that deep again.

Have you been able to find a new goal. that feels that deeply rooted again? Not. really. Um, I I think for me most of my childhood. was wanting my mom to stop working. because I rarely saw her, um, unless it. was dinner time. It was in a way, I think, me trying to. see my mother more often. And once I. accomplished that, then it became more. winning or making history or being the. first Asian number one, stuff like that.

And It's not meaningful. Yeah, they're mean- a little more. shallow, but still meaningful. But yeah, I think now, you know, I I do. have meaningful goals. Maybe they're. just not as touching as, you know, retiring my mom, but I'd love for my. daughter to reach an age where she can. see me play and kind of understand. everything that's going on. You'll have. to keep playing. I definitely have to keep playing for a. little while longer, but I think, you.

know, I've learned so much throughout. the years, so I'm excited to learn more. Are you excited for her to get on the. court? Would you like her to play as. well? People ask me this all the time, and I think before I had her, I said. definitely not. Um. but I I think now, like, you know, if. she's interested about the sport, I I'd. want her to learn, and she has a racket. that she loves to swing around. Mm, I. love that. When when you were going. through your. when you announced that you weren't. going to play and you took your break.

from tennis and competitive tennis for. for some time, what were you actually dealing with? Like, what what were you actually. experiencing from a mental health. perspective? Like, what what did that. look like for you? I'd say the the. French Open break, um. what I was dealing with at the time, a. lot of shame, which I talked to you. about, like, feeling embarrassed, um. feeling ashamed, like, going against. everything an athlete stood for, which. is like, you know, fake it till you make. it, um or don't show the other person,

you know, any cracks in your armor. Honestly, just feeling very alone. I. think tennis, of course, for me, I don't. play doubles, so it's a solo sport, and. I don't necessarily have, you know, the. most friends on tour, so I didn't really. know what public reaction or reaction in. general was. I remember. after I pulled out of the French Open, I. flew um back home to LA, and I just. stayed in my house for maybe a week or.

two, and I didn't I just, like, Instacarted and Uber Eats everything. because I didn't want to see the outside. world, so. I would say going to the Olympics after. that changed my mindset a lot, um. because there were so many athletes that. thanked me and I felt so much shock. because I I didn't know that I was. helping anyone and I almost kind of went. into the Olympics thinking like people. are going to, you know, think that I'm.

like the worst athlete of all time. What. was it that was weighing on you that. even made you want to share the. decision? Like what what were you going. through that was so hard for you to play. and perform at that time? The emotions. at the time felt so heavy and I'm trying. to like recreate, you know, the exact. emotions that led to the decision, but I. remember I won the US Open, won the. Australian Open, was trying my best to. like win the French as well.

and um historically I don't have like. the best clay record, so a lot of press. were asking me about that and um leading. up into it I wasn't doing amazing, but I. wasn't doing terrible either. But I just was so stressed out going. into the tournament that I didn't want. to answer questions about it anymore cuz. it was like a constant everyday thing. and I just wanted to focus on, you know, what I could do. It just kind of got to. a breaking point because I remember. saying I wasn't going to do media and.

then that kind of blew up in my face. everywhere and it became such a big deal. and I didn't know why. I just felt. really bad because the tournament was. very upset. and I. kind of felt like, you know, like people. weren't focusing on the tennis anymore. It was just focusing on. who's not doing press, why she's not. doing press and so I just decided to. leave. Wow, yeah, thank you for sharing. that by the way because I think it's. yeah, it just.

as I'm listening to you I'm thinking. about it like when you look at movies. actors make a movie and then they do a. press run and you're talking about a. movie that you've recorded like in the. past where you filmed in the past. Music's the same, you record an album, then you go and talk about it. This is. the opposite way. You're like you're. being asked about it before you go on. the court, and then obviously after as. well. And I can imagine like you just want to. be focused, and I I mean, you know, I. don't do anything of any similar. pressure, but I can think about even. when I'm just going on stage to give a.

talk or a presentation or even an. interview like this, and I know how much I need my downtime. and my personal time to prepare and get. my mindset right. And this isn't a. competition, it's not stressful in the. way the games are physically or mentally. or anything. And so I I can imagine that. that becomes really difficult. Were. there some athletes Who were the. athletes that came up to you and. uh said something to you at the Olympics. that made you feel a sense of I mean, I. think you already knew you did the right. thing, but people who came and reminded. you that it was definitely a good. decision? A lot of like female athletes.

Um. I got a really nice message um from. other tennis players as well, and I felt. like. I went from feeling very alone to not. feeling so alone at all. So um it was it. was really nice. Who'd be your ideal. doubles partner if you did play? If I. had to have a male doubles partner, Andre Agassi. Oh, wow. And then female, I would say Serena, but I would be very.

scared. Too loud, huh? Yeah, I would be. apologizing all the time. So um you know. what? Venus. Okay. She's always been so. incredibly kind. Aw, I love that. I love. that. And there must be some secret. tennis society where you can make that. happen when no one's watching, right? Like a private game. Um you know, potentially, but also I feel like. everyone's just, you know, living their. lives. >> Yeah. Yeah. I I once got to play a. private game against Novak Djokovic, and.

and I got destroyed. I'm sorry, but I. would have expected that. >> return Yeah, obviously. I couldn't. return I couldn't even return a serve. Like I couldn't even get to it. >> Oh, really? >> Yeah, that's how bad I am. And he was. going easy, too? Uh probably, yeah. I. imagine so. He's He's a nice guy. He was. He was like trying to coach me and help. me out just for fun, but it was It was. an embarrassing day. Uh you talked about. loneliness and friendship, and I find. any athlete who's on the road as much as. a tennis player, Formula 1 races, soccer.

players, pretty much every every sport, there's so much travel involved. Like, how have you built friendships, and how. have you maintained friendships as it. isn't a team sport? And I think team. sports, we forget that there is a sense of. camaraderie. At least you have two or. three people that become close friends, but when you're playing a single sport, it's actually a lot more challenging to. have that. What does your friend circle. look like, and how is it evolved over. time? Honestly, I'm pretty lucky because. even though I'm not playing a team.

sport, I still have a team around me. So, um you know, like my trainer, my physio, my um coach, my hitting partner, we all. travel the world together, and I'm the. type of person that it does take a while. to open up, but um I don't know. Once I. do open up, things might get a little. crazy. For me, that relationship with my team. is very important, and it's helped me a. lot over the years. Um and of course, um.

I guess talking to my mom, talking to my. big sister, keeping those relationships. is super important. You've said before. that Kobe was a mentor for you as well, right? Kobe Bryant, who I was so. grateful and honored to have a. conversation with. around 5 years ago now, and sadly before. his tragic passing. And what was that. relationship like for you, and why was. it so important and powerful to you? How. did you even meet? I met him because my. agent.

We were I don't know, something had. happened and then we were talking about. someone that would be a good mentor for. me and he just was like, "Okay, Kobe.". I don't In my head, that's how it went. There was probably like very like. multiple steps to get to Kobe, but yeah, one day we were at his office and um me. and him sat and talked for like 2 hours. and he's such a genuine guy and it was. just so easy and pleasant to talk to him.

and that relationship was. is something that I treasure a lot. because I felt like he was my big. brother and I could talk to him about um. sports advice and life advice and just. things that were in my head. Yeah. Was. there a piece of advice that he gave you. that stayed with you? Basically, I. remember asked him once like how does he. not pay attention to people's opinions. um and then he was like. referencing Animal Planet um and saying. like you have to be the lion and the.

flies around your eyes are people's. opinions and you just have to focus and. keep your eyes straight. I love that. Yeah. Do you Do you find new mentors. now? Is looking for mentorship a part of. where you're at right now or is it no. time whatsoever, so? I'm not necessarily. sure I would consider anyone my mentor. after him. Um and I feel like the word mentor is. such a big one. I would love to have. people to converse with um. and it's also weird because when I think.

of mentor, I think of someone that's. like older than me. >> Yeah. And I would love to have one. I. just, you know, don't really know if. how I would approach that. >> Yeah. Um maybe I would ask my agent. >> Yeah, I'll ask the agent. He seems to. know. He's He's going to figure it out. last time. But yeah, I'm kind of more. interested in like trying to be a mentor. to someone. I know that, you know, my. path wasn't exactly the smoothest, but I. would hope that the younger generation. could maybe learn a thing or two. If you.

are coaching someone or mentoring them, what would be a piece of advice that. you'd want to pass on to them or what's. something that you feel you'd really. want to instill in them? I think it. would go back to like the Haitian the. Haitian way of like giving even though, you know, I think human nature a little. bit is to be selfish. >> Mhm. Recently I've kind of dealt with or. overcome the feeling of the fear of. being forgotten. Mhm. Um and I think in. that way um we kind of tend to keep.

things close to the vest and for me I. think sharing is caring and just trying. to make the world better for the the. kids that come after us. I really. believe that we're wired for generosity, but educated for greed. And that. selfishness comes in because society. encourages you to want to get to achieve. to. get somewhere when actually your. essence is trying to just be and live.

and experience and learn and heal. It's. almost like there's two tracks and I. think we're on both of them, but I think. often we just get on to one of them and. it becomes about achieving and winning, which is important. But you get away. from the being living and experiencing. and it's it's like how do you make sense. of both of those? And you're right, having mentors is such a beautiful way. to kind of. following the footsteps of someone who's. been there done that and and had to. think about things earlier than you. Yeah. But it seems like you still talk. to your family a lot. Your team as you.

said you're surrounded by them a lot. Who's the person you spend the most time. with right now when you're not on the. court and not thinking about tennis and. what what do you what's like what's. something you do when you're not playing. or not preparing? Currently the person I spend the most. time with is my daughter. >> Yeah, of course. Um You said she's 1 year and 5 months? >> Yes, and she's teaching me a lot how to. put my foot down because she definitely. puts her foot down. It's the person I spend the most time. with.

Maybe. either my boyfriend or my trainer. because my trainer is with me like. a very very long time out of the day. Um. He's a funny guy. Is he? Why Why is your. trainer a funny guy? Can I ask you what. is your zodiac sign? Yeah, I'm a Virgo. Oh, yeah. He's a Virgo, too. >> Okay. All right. Okay, so now now I'm a. funny guy, too. Yeah. What What day is. his birthday? Do you know? Um I think. August, no. September.

September 8th. Um September 6th. Oh, okay. Okay. Carry on. Now, continue. Um so, yeah. He's. >> I'm thick-skinned. It's all right. You. can say what you want. I don't know. I. feel like Virgos are very like they want. to be perfectionists or they are. perfectionists. And it's just funny to. interact with him. And um you know, like. I when I get comfortable with people, I. goof around a lot. And I love seeing him. get frustrated about it a little bit. Um.

but yeah, it's it's just nice because I. find Virgos to be very knowledgeable in. their fields. Well, that's very kind. Thank you. No, I I've learned to I've definitely. learned over the years to give up that. perfectionism. I've I've learned that. And my wife's been a big impact for. that, for sure, because she's such a. goofball. And so, I've always said like. I'm the kind of person that takes life. too seriously. And my wife doesn't take. life seriously at all. And so, that's. rubbed off on each other. And it's been. it's been good to lose that kind of.

Yeah, but but I definitely still have. moments of it, for sure. Like I can't be. late. I I have such a thing about being. late. It upsets me so much. And. definitely I like things in order. And I. like things to be in their place. And. that's all very very true. So, me and. you me and your uh trainer would get. along, I guess. Yeah, I think so. >> Maybe, maybe. When's your birthday? Um. October, so Libra. Okay. October what. day? 16th. Okay. Do you have a special. ritual that you like to celebrate your. birthday with or anything that comes.

around or not really? Usually I'm in. Tokyo around those dates, but if I'm not. at a tournament, I prefer to be like on. the beach somewhere. So, um. I think that's my ritual. I think now. obviously with the birth of my daughter, I'd love to always have her around. Is a. beach your happy place or is that just. vacation? It's my happy place. Like I go. there to think um or write things down. or just to I guess. have some joy. Do you still go regularly. now? Like is that part of That's where I.

race to my car. Oh, really? Okay, got. it. All right. So, look for a tinted car. window car. and go stand near a beach and you might. get to race Naomi. I love that. I love. that. You have such an endearing. personality. Like I love. when I love it when you think you're. about to say something really like. awkward or whatever it is that goes. through your mind and then you laugh. about it and then you share it, but it. always turns out to be brilliant. Like. it's it's always funny and interesting. and entertaining and. what's allowed you to be.

comfortable in your own skin lately? I. think I'm very lucky because I've kind. of been forced to be comfortable in my. own skin. Um and I think that's due to like being. a little bit different. I guess in. general like I'm Japanese, but maybe. presenting I don't look Japanese. So, that's when I was younger that often. caught people off guard. >> Mhm. But for me this is just, you know, this is just how I look. This is how I. know that I am and I'm having both.

cultures um is my way of life and I've. always felt very confident and. comfortable with that. Um so, I would say it's not necessarily. something I've struggled with often, but. I think also another phase of that is. motherhood and. trying to snap back with snapback. culture and I'm just. yeah, I guess loving myself. So. self-love. Mhm. Mhm. I'm always. fascinated by high-performing.

individuals. Like you've played at, you know, in the top 1% of not only. athletes, but then of your own sport. What does your routine look like on a. game day? Like how do you prep yourself? How do you get in the zone? And what is. what does that look like? You talked. about meditation earlier and things, but. what does an actual breakdown look like? This is where like the routine kicks in. So every day is kind of the exact same. I. eat breakfast. Well, I wake up,

meditate, take a shower, eat breakfast. Specific breakfast? Yeah, always the. same breakfast every time. Usually it'd. be like smoked salmon, but I'm kind of. off that phase right now. Um so yeah, go. to the tournament site, do like light. hitting, and then. change into my outfit, listen to music, do like a game prep, and then warm up. and play the match. >> Mhm. Do you sleep well before a big. game? Depends how big it is. I know before all.

of my finals, I didn't sleep as well. I. think um. Yeah, I I don't know. I I just remember. waking up sweating. I don't think you're really supposed to. sleep well before moments like that. >> I I that's I ask because I remember like. even. having like big interviews and things. like that. When I say interviews, I mean. like when I was being interviewed for. being at companies, which seemed like an. important part of my career at one. point. I remember just never sleeping.

well. Like the adrenaline's in my body. I'm like rehearsing in my head. But it's. so important to playing well the next. day to have rest and recovery and. everything else. Was there any secret. that you found to be able to sleep or at. least be energetic the next day? Not. really, but I found myself constantly. playing the match in my head in my. dreams the night before matches. So, I. felt like when the time actually came, I. had already prepared myself for that and. it actually helped me out quite a lot.

>> If someone right now was. you know, going through depression or. suffering from a mental health condition. or experiencing something and they're. listening right now and we know that our. audience really turns to us in those. times and so many people have listened. to episodes here that have helped them. through really difficult times in their. life. What would What would you say to them? What would you share with them? I don't. ever claim to know answers, but I think. when I was at really low moments of my.

life, I was felt like I was alone. Um so, I would say you're never alone. There's always going to be people that. care about you way more than you think. and sometimes I think we hide it so well. that we're struggling that they don't. even know. Um so, it's okay to ask for. help and you shouldn't ever feel shame. for that. Mhm. I love that. Yeah, I know. it's it's always helpful hearing it from. someone who's been through it.

And and I know our audience appreciates. that a lot. Was there any specific. healing method or technique or approach. that really helped you, especially. getting over that shame, that guilt, that that feeling you were carrying? Was. there anything that helped? Honestly, I. think just interacting with people. I. tend to close myself off a lot, whether. it's like. being in my room by myself. So, yeah, just interacting with people, talking to my sister,

and just realizing that there's a lot. more to life than I I know. A few. moments ago you were talking about how. like there was this feeling of. you know, being forgotten. and then. taking a break. So, like having the. courage to take a break when you have. the fear of being forgotten is probably. one of the most courageous acts for. anyone in the world, whatever they do. How have you kind of. been able to make that decision and been. able to reconcile that for yourself? I. think it's a process that's kind of been.

sped up by the events of my life. Um. I feel like those two things are maybe. something that should have been spread. out throughout years, but I just happen. to put it together. I don't know. I've. won four Grand Slams. I've been very. fortunate to light the Olympic torch. There's probably. some more that my agent wants me to say, but I I don't know. Those are the things. that come to my mind and I've in a way. accomplished so much more than I thought. I would and I want to accomplish so much. more, but at the same time like I.

needed to separate myself as a person. I. I think. I told you I've been playing tennis. since I was three, so that's the only. identity I know of myself. And I needed. the break to figure out who I was as a. person and now I I hope I do and I think. I do, but I'm able to stand tall and be. confident and um. I don't know. Be proud of myself for. that. >> Yeah. I I think that's the greatest. accomplishment. I really do. I hearing.

you speak today and I'm just so excited. for everyone who's going to listen. to recognize that the day we're not. defined by our careers is. it's so interesting how society became. defined by what we do at one point. And. the question became, "Well, what do you. do?" And then that's how we introduced. ourselves. And even if you look at last. names, at one point they all became. about a career. Like baker and blacksmith and whatever. all these names became our last names.

because they were our occupation and so. they became our total identity. And it's. so interesting to think about how even. in today's society our worth, our. everything is defined by what you do for. a living and so to be able to go beyond. that as young as you are and as early as. you are it's I think it's a really. powerful place to be and only good can. come from it. So, it's pretty. remarkable. Love hearing that. Yeah. >> I said thank you for saying I'm young. Who else is making you feel old? You.

know, maybe I'm making myself feel old. I. think that's it. Yeah, I don't think you. are. How are you old? I think it's also. like growing up in the tennis world. there's always constantly young people. coming up so I start feeling like a. grandma. That's a great point. That. makes a lot of sense. So, I feel like if. you're in an industry where everyone's. 18 or 19 or I guess in tennis cases like. three. Mhm. You said you three. I was like, of. course you're going to feel ancient if. everyone's starting at three years old. Naomi, it's been such a joy to talk to.

you today. Honestly, I've loved every. moment of it and I appreciate you being. so open and funny and like this. conversation was as as playful as it was. profound and I love that when I felt. like we were playing tennis. I was like, you know, I hope so. You said I won one. rally so I'll take that. >> won that one. >> Okay. All right, I'll take that. >> I'm going to I'm going to say that I won. the set. >> Yeah. >> No, I think you won the set. >> Oh, no way. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think you won the set. So, >> the score was? Oh, I Oh gosh. All right,

you you No, you tell me what you think. the score was. >> Um, let's let's get it really close. 7-6. >> 7-6. All right, so you're going to let. me go that far. I like that. I like. that. Well, we end every episode with a. final five. These questions have to be. answered in one word to one sentence. maximum. >> Oh, wow. And so, Naomi Osaka, these are. your final five. The first question is. what's the best advice you've ever heard. or received? Oh, wow. Does that count as. my answer? What's that? Saying I.

What is the best advice? Best advice. I've ever heard? Just be yourself. Question number two, what's the worst. advice you've ever heard or received? >> Just be yourself. I'm just kidding. Um, what's the worst advice I've ever. heard? It's like when people say just. smile. But you know, sometimes I don't want to. smile. Mhm. Sorry. That was. >> No. No. No. No. No. I get it. No. It's I. I understand. It's It's a forced It's a. forced emotion. It doesn't work. You. can't force either. Question number. three, what's something you used to.

value that you don't value anymore? People's opinions. Because I think I. I don't know. I value my own opinion. more and I think I. I might have a a better opinion because. I'm living my life. So. Question number. four, what are you most excited for in. the next 12 months? Seeing my daughter. grow and returning and playing on tour. to play more tournaments. Which. tournament do you get most excited. about? Oh, always the Slams. Um, I feel.

like they're they're so special. Yeah, I. need to come watch you. You should. Oh, yeah. I'd love that. That'd be awesome. Uh, fifth and final question. We ask. this to every guest who's ever been on. the show. If you could create one law. that everyone had to follow, what would. it be? Do something good for. I guess the younger generation. Mhm. Or. do something good for the person coming. up after you. That's a great law. I love. that. Think you've definitely done that. Uh, you've genuinely I I ever since I.

read your op-ed and and learned about. what you were doing to open up about. mental health, I was like, I need to. meet this human. I was in awe of what. you used your platform to do. I think. it's been. incredible how it's given so many people. permission, so many people the. opportunity to actually not just smile. and share how they actually feel. And I. think it's sent ripples into not just. the sports world, but beyond. And so I. thank you so much for your service and.

what you've done for so many. And I'm so. grateful that you allowed me to. interview today. And thank you so much. Yeah. Thank you. >> it. If you loved this episode, I need. you to listen to one of my favorite. conversations ever. It's with the one. and only Tom Holland on how to overcome. your social anxiety, especially in. situations where you're not drinking and. everyone else is. We talk about his. sobriety journey and so much more. He. gets really personal. I can't wait for.

you to hear it. It's going to blow your. mind. The quote is, "If you have a. problem with me, text me. And if you. don't have my number, you don't know me. well enough to have a problem with me.".