Naomi Osaka's Attitude

[EloQuent]

Apologies if there's already a thread that covers this. I don't know if anyone caught Osaka's "speech" where she stumbled over her words before declaring it to be the worst winner's speech ever.

I have mixed feelings. I understand why people are very forgiving of her casual style. She's a cute kid, very relatable. But as an elite professional athlete, do you think she has more of a responsibility to grow up?

 

[eelhc]

Apologies if there's already a thread that covers this. I don't know if anyone caught Osaka's "speech" where she stumbled over her words before declaring it to be the worst winner's speech ever.

I have mixed feelings. I understand why people are very forgiving of her casual style. She's a cute kid, very relatable. But as an elite professional athlete, do you think she has more of a responsibility to grow up?

This time it's OK to give her a pass (and maybe a couple more). She's a 20 year old kid not used to this big a stage. She's mostly exited in early rounds.

Not everyone is a good public speaker. 20 year old these days can't construct complete sentences.... Give a unrehearsed speech in front of 16K people? Give her a pass this time.

 

[EloQuent]

This time it's OK to give her a pass this time (and maybe a couple more). She's a 20 year old kid not used to this big a stage. She's mostly exited in early rounds.

Not everyone is a good public speaker. 20 year old these days can't construct complete sentences.... Give a unrehearsed speech in front of 16K people? Give her a pass this time.

It's not just the one speech, her press conferences are a mess. She just doesn't seem to care about it.

 

[Shaolin]

That was without a doubt the all time worst speech I've ever heard.

I do forgive her for it though, she was probably just totally freaked out by the moment.

 

[vive le beau jeu !]

It's not just the one speech, her press conferences are a mess. She just doesn't seem to care about it.

with such a nickname, no wonder you raise the bar pretty high...

 

[johnwah]

i dunno she didnt even seem excited when she won...

 

[EloQuent]

with such a nickname, no wonder you raise the bar pretty high...

honestly not trying to be too judgy, have a lot of respect for what they do on court. It was just striking how bad the speech was. wanted to see if others agreed

 

[Deleted member 688153]

Some people just suck at public speaking.

More likely it's just the shock and inexperience

 

[Deleted member 756486]

Maybe she’s just introverted and shy? Nothing wrong with that.

All that matters is her tennis and I think she has a great future ahead of her.

 

[vive le beau jeu !]

honestly not trying to be too judgy, have a lot of respect for what they do on court. It was just striking how bad the speech was. wanted to see if others agreed

just kidding i have to say i didn't have the opportunity to listen to her speech...... and as english isn't my mother tongue, i guess i'm not allowed to comment......
(unless she writes "should of"... please no !!!)

 

[Rafa's OCD]

I hate agreeing with Patrick McEnroe on anything but he was right when (in pursuit of affixing his lips to Mr. Federer's posterior for the millionth time) he said more of the younger crop of players need to learn how to deal with the public relations side of tennis. I certainly give the very young players a pass (this definitely includes Osaka), but once you've been on the tour for a little while, you don't have the excuse of acting as if you're playing matches at a private club. The entire sport is driven by externalities. This nonsense of treating athletes with kid gloves because they're working doesn't quite jibe with the massive amounts of money that need be funneled in from the public so that these athletes can actually make a living by working. A little more openness is necessary.

 

[George Turner]

just kidding i have to say i didn't have the opportunity to listen to her speech...... and as english isn't my mother tongue, i guess i'm not allowed to comment......
(unless she writes "should of"... please no !!!)

Spends the whole speech thanking everyone in a rambling way.

I guess she'll become better at public speaking in time.

 

[Deleted member 756486]

I like Osaka because she’s not a screaming ball basher like 99% of WTA players.

Really hoping she’s the next big star when Serena retires.

 

[BeatlesFan]

It's not just the one speech, her press conferences are a mess. She just doesn't seem to care about it.

I know little about her, but Chris Evert said Naomi had trained at her Academy for three years (maybe two?) and she said, "she's the most motivated young player I have ever known." That is pretty high praise. I've seen her interviewed a few times and she comes across as polite and respectful. English is not her native language, so that might be a reason she's not articulate with her words. I know she was a big hit with the ball kids/ball adults at IW. They said she was very sweet and respectful to them all.

 

[EloQuent]

I know little about her, but Chris Evert said Naomi had trained at her Academy for three years (maybe two?) and she said, "she's the most motivated young player I have ever known." That is pretty high praise. I've seen her interviewed a few times and she comes across as polite and respectful. English is not her native language, so that might be a reason she's not articulate with her words. I know she was a big hit with the ball kids/ball adults at IW. They said she was very sweet and respectful to them all.

Yeah she seems like a good kid, and is obviously talented and motivated.

English is her main language, I don't it's that.

 

[Purplemonster]

Apologies if there's already a thread that covers this. I don't know if anyone caught Osaka's "speech" where she stumbled over her words before declaring it to be the worst winner's speech ever.

I have mixed feelings. I understand why people are very forgiving of her casual style. She's a cute kid, very relatable. But as an elite professional athlete, do you think she has more of a responsibility to grow up?

She is honest and completely genuine. Most players say things in their speeches they don’t even mean. It’s only a sport at the end of the day. It’s not as if a professional athlete’s acceptance speech is a precursor to the invasion of a country.

 

[Krish872007]

I know little about her, but Chris Evert said Naomi had trained at her Academy for three years (maybe two?) and she said, "she's the most motivated young player I have ever known." That is pretty high praise. I've seen her interviewed a few times and she comes across as polite and respectful. English is not her native language, so that might be a reason she's not articulate with her words. I know she was a big hit with the ball kids/ball adults at IW. They said she was very sweet and respectful to them all.

She comes across as a very focused young woman who is genuinely enjoying her role on tour.
That said, English is almost certainly her main language, so that isn't the reason - might just be a little shy, which is natural at her age.

 

[citybert]

Maybe she’s just introverted and shy? Nothing wrong with that.

All that matters is her tennis and I think she has a great future ahead of her.

Yes Sampras looked like he didnt want to win the US Open at 19 either. Its like he woulda rather lost just so he didnt have to give the speech.

Naomi is great and she will be fine.She comes off as young and shy but she is in fact very witty and smart if you watch her pressers at IW

 

[Phantasm]

Why can't it be more casual? Tennis is one of those few sports where you have to have a press conference after every round win or lose at these premier events. That's part of media obligation of playing an an individual sport I guess. Any other pro sport that is team based is just a scrum of media coming into the locker room post game just trying to get a few quotes. The fact that tennis players are obligated to be placed in this formal, uptight setting right after a hard fought match must be pretty annoying imo

Not to take away from the players who can present themselves better in these settings, but I don't think that should be the norm/standard just cause other people can do it well. I like that Osaka seemed more human and casual about her press conferences. In the end, these press conferences are more for the journalists and reporters to write their stories/articles. It's not like we really learn their whole game plan or some other big revelation. They're just fishing for quotes. Obviously if you have a terrible press conference or speech, it can come back to bite you and hurt your public image/marketability so there's a fine line to draw.

Obviously, her acceptance speech isn't what you wanted to have heard from a winner of a premier event. She even said herself that she practiced what she was going to say but just escaped her, so it's not like she's not putting in the effort.

 

[Rafa.the.Magnificent]

She'll remedy this in no time flat, I guarantee. I'd give her a pass!

 

[MugOpponent]

I like her demeanor, personally I find it rather refreshing and authentic.

 

[Sysyphus]

it's OK to be awkward when speaking in front of thousands. Some people just are, maybe she's one of them (or maybe just on this occasion). Not a mean-spirited trait.

Just my cents, but I say let's cut her some slack.

 

[Mainad]

We watch them for their tennis, not for their public speaking prowess.

 

[EloQuent]

Why can't it be more casual? Tennis is one of those few sports where you have to have a press conference after every round win or lose at these premier events. That's part of media obligation of playing an an individual sport I guess. Any other pro sport that is team based is just a scrum of media coming into the locker room post game just trying to get a few quotes. The fact that tennis players are obligated to be placed in this formal, uptight setting right after a hard fought match must be pretty annoying imo

Not to take away from the players who can present themselves better in these settings, but I don't think that should be the norm/standard just cause other people can do it well. I like that Osaka seemed more human and casual about her press conferences. In the end, these press conferences are more for the journalists and reporters to write their stories/articles. It's not like we really learn their whole game plan or some other big revelation. They're just fishing for quotes. Obviously if you have a terrible press conference or speech, it can come back to bite you and hurt your public image/marketability so there's a fine line to draw.

Obviously, her acceptance speech isn't what you wanted to have heard from a winner of a premier event. She even said herself that she practiced what she was going to say but just escaped her, so it's not like she's not putting in the effort.

She'll remedy this in no time flat, I guarantee. I'd give her a pass!

I like her demeanor, personally I find it rather refreshing and authentic.

it's OK to be awkward when speaking in front of thousands. Some people just are, maybe she's one of them (or maybe just on this occasion). Not a mean-spirited trait.

Just my cents, by I say let's cut her some slack.

We watch them for their tennis, not for their public speaking prowess.

Well it looks like we are reaching a consensus here!

 

[Harry_Wild]

Apologies if there's already a thread that covers this. I don't know if anyone caught Osaka's "speech" where she stumbled over her words before declaring it to be the worst winner's speech ever.

I have mixed feelings. I understand why people are very forgiving of her casual style. She's a cute kid, very relatable. But as an elite professional athlete, do you think she has more of a responsibility to grow up?

It Osaka first title win! Anyone would act like Osaka would since it sort of unexpected and just after the match too; never done it before!

 

[tennisaddict]

C'mon. She is a tennis player. I don't even care if she doesn't speak English.

In any case most of the speeches are "cookie cutter". In fact what i found odd was Kasatkina asking IW crowd to follow their dreams and never give up.

 

[Harry_Wild]

C'mon. She is a tennis player. I don't even care if she doesn't speak English.

In any case most of the speeches are "cookie cutter". In fact what i found odd was Kasatkina asking IW crowd to follow their dreams and never give up.

Osaka was raised in the U.S. Why are you trolling on Osaka? Do you like her or what?

 

[tennisaddict]

Osaka was raised in the U.S. Why are you trolling on Osaka? Do you like her or what?

Naomi has said on camera that she is shy , introvert, doesn't speak to anyone.

And how is poor public speaking a "bad attitude" which is the OP title.

Frankly i only cringed when Kasatkina told 'Shame you couldn't hit a tweener' and there was abrupt silence in the crowd.

 

[Nostradamus]

Apologies if there's already a thread that covers this. I don't know if anyone caught Osaka's "speech" where she stumbled over her words before declaring it to be the worst winner's speech ever.

I have mixed feelings. I understand why people are very forgiving of her casual style. She's a cute kid, very relatable. But as an elite professional athlete, do you think she has more of a responsibility to grow up?

She acts like she is 8 years old.....................lol

 

[Possum]

I don't give a crap. She's amazing. I don't care if she never gives another speech. I'm here to watch her play...in fact, I love the rambling and her seeming scatterbrained. Makes her seem human.

 

[EloQuent]

Naomi has said on camera that she is shy , introvert, doesn't speak to anyone.

And how is poor public speaking a "bad attitude" which is the OP title.

Frankly i only cringed when Kasatkina told 'Shame you couldn't hit a tweener' and there was abrupt silence in the crowd.

I didn't say bad attitude. Look again before you accuse.

 

[atp2015]

Apologies if there's already a thread that covers this. I don't know if anyone caught Osaka's "speech" where she stumbled over her words before declaring it to be the worst winner's speech ever.

I have mixed feelings. I understand why people are very forgiving of her casual style. She's a cute kid, very relatable. But as an elite professional athlete, do you think she has more of a responsibility to grow up?

Good point.
She is socially very immature. 90 percent of 15 year olds speak with a lot more maturity.

 

[ChaelAZ]

Some people just suck at public speaking.

More likely it's just the shock and inexperience

Yup. She seems very introverted so doubly tough to be on the spot like that. They will rehearse her...a lot!

My fave was the after everything interview with Lindsey. When asked what her hitting partner turned coach brings to her game (forget gsi name) she says, well nothing really. He is just there to keep me smiling and stuff. Lol. Nize!


Probably posting from the court between sets.

 

[Backspin1780]

Shes probably just a bit weird. Nothing wrong with that. Id probably suck at giving a speech in front of 15k people when I was 20 too and dont know how id handle press.

 

[MasturB]

I hope she never forces herself to talk forced during these speeches.

I find it genuinely cool how introverted she is and how she's open about how weird she is. Not everyone needs to give cringe charismatic overdone speeches.

"First of all I wanna congratulate __insert runner-up__ on an amazing tournament. You played well this week. Your team did a good job of getting you ready. I wish you the best of luck the rest of the season. Second I wanna thank my team for supporting me. I also wanna thank ___insert generic sponsors___ and thank the staff and ball kids who do such a good job at this tournament for us players. Lastly I wanna thank the fans for making this tournament so special. *Wait for audience to cheer for 10 seconds*. You guys make it easy for the players to come back here. Thanks and I'll see you again here next year".

 

[tennisaddict]

I didn't say bad attitude. Look again before you accuse.

My apologies. You mentioned 'attitude' and I found nothing related to that in her behavior / speech

 

[Chadillac]

Doesnt bother me at all, post match is always fake anyways. Let her focus on the tennis not learning how to speak, no need for that distraction. Only her sponsorship may suffer but i dont think Japan will mind at all.

It only hurts the media, screw those guys

 

[malbaker86]

This is such a stupid and useless thread

 

[CJ Tennis]

Content not available.

 

[kalyan4fedever]

That speech was cringy, 'whom did I forget' whom did I forget' whom did I forget'
She is 20 not 10

 

[Tennisanity]

Who cares?

 

[roundiesee]

I thought her speech was hilarious

 

[Mr.Lob]

If anything it's her team's fault for not preparing Osaka properly. She's 20 years old. First time at a champions ceremony. Obviously more nervous than when on the court. No big deal.

 

[Mainad]

I hope she never forces herself to talk forced during these speeches.

I find it genuinely cool how introverted she is and how she's open about how weird she is. Not everyone needs to give cringe charismatic overdone speeches.

"First of all I wanna congratulate __insert runner-up__ on an amazing tournament. You played well this week. Your team did a good job of getting you ready. I wish you the best of luck the rest of the season. Second I wanna thank my team for supporting me. I also wanna thank ___insert generic sponsors___ and thank the staff and ball kids who do such a good job at this tournament for us players. Lastly I wanna thank the fans for making this tournament so special. *Wait for audience to cheer for 10 seconds*. You guys make it easy for the players to come back here. Thanks and I'll see you again here next year".

You've done this before haven't you?

 

[MichaelNadal]

Who cares?

Not you, because Nadal isn't involved

 

[MatsPhilander]

 

[MichaelNadal]

Watch Dlo v Xpac from Fully Loaded 98 man
I was watching WCW earlier. 98 was the ish. I miss Juvi, one of the best things about WCW

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

She was faking it.

 

[MichaelNadal]

And he still has it

 

[ANDYbhGENIUS]

It's not just the one speech, her press conferences are a mess. She just doesn't seem to care about it.

Osaka cares more about what she says than you will in ten lifetimes, rough estimate; so if you want to see a "person" who really deliberately poops on those at a presser I would suggest you watch Venus Williams.