Naomi Osaka Endorses Controversial ‘Friend’ Who Dissed Her WTA Rival Iga Swiatek: “Unapologetic”
There are always two sides to a story. Even when we’re discussing Nick Kyrgios, at least according to his close friend Naomi Osaka. One of the biggest controversial personalities in the sport isn’t new to causing a ruckus whenever the situation calls for it. When he sees someone else dip their toes in controversy, Kyrgios can’t help but blast. He did the same to Polish Iga Swiatek upon learning about her failed dope test. While not everyone agrees with Kyrgios’ style of functioning, Naomi Osaka has stepped forward to defend the Aussie.
Kyrgios didn’t mince his words when he addressed Swiatek’s doping saga. The Polish superstar tested positive for a banned substance from an out-of-competition sample that sent shockwaves in the community. Though the ITIA accepted her defense and highlighted that the positive test came as a result of contamination, she was still slapped with a one-month ban from the tour. However, this verdict alone didn’t cut it for Kyrgios.
The 2022 Wimbledon champion took to his social media and lamented at the season’s second high-profile case of a failed dope test, after the World No. 1 Jannik Sinner. He took a swipe at both the star players saying, “The excuse that we can all use is that we didn’t know. Simply didn’t know. Professionals at the highest level of sport can now just say ‘We didn’t know.”
Though Kyrgios often agitates fans with his constant jibes, his good friend Osaka has come to his rescue and explained why he is the way he is. In an interview with Bazaar Australia, Osaka highlighted that she appreciates the Aussie’s unfiltered personality and stated: “Nick is a dynamic person both on and off the court. am really drawn to people who are unapologetic about who they are and aren’t afraid to show all aspects of themselves. I also think there is a side to Nick few people see, but I can say he has a very big heart and, for him, giving back is really important, and that is a quality I admire about him.
