She wins like she talks; with graceful power and determination. Naomi Osaka's second Australian Open title win was one that many saw coming. She plays tennis like a grandmaster in a chess match; setting opponents up and knowing when to be aggressive and/or defensive. Currently ranked #3 by the Women's Tennis Association, she has held the #1 ranking in the past, and deservedly so.
What surprised and impressed me so much about this 23 year old phenom is how she carries herself off the court. Her soft-spoken presentation and matter-of-fact manner is so appealing. It lets people know exactly who they're dealing with in a non-threatening and welcoming way. A This Is Me celebrity, unafraid to just be herself with others.
I suspect we are seeing the rise of a generational star athlete, one who comes along only once in awhile. Hopefully, her elegance, and calm, zen-like style of handling interviews, will rub off on other young, gifted athletes. The sports media might target interviewees with senseless or challenging questions, but it's the self-contained, under-emotional and/or unintimidated athlete who decides what reactions and answers she/he chooses. Or as the old saying goes, "it's not Only what you say but how you say it." Assertiveness trumps anxiety.
Congratulations Naomi Osaka
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