"So proud of you" - Allyson Felix lauds Naomi Osaka's "perspective" as Japanese pens note after US Open 2024 exit

Allyson Felix recently praised the Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka after the latter penned a heartfelt note following her exit from the 2024 US Open. Osaka's run at the US Open ended after suffering a 3-6, 6-7(5) loss to Karolina Muchova in the second round.

Even in the face of defeat, Osaka maintained a positive perspective by embracing her personal achievements while finding joy in her role as a mother to Shai, whom she welcomed in July 2023.

Reflecting on the time she spent with her daughter, Osaka shifted her focus from recent disappointment to pride.

"Honestly I had typed out a whole caption about how I’m disappointed with myself etc but I’ve been sitting here playing with my daughter and I realized that I couldn’t be more proud of myself," Osaka wrote.

"I gave birth to such an amazing human and I played the US Open? A win is a win. Sure it didn’t work out this time but I have faith it will eventually. Thank you NY see you next time," she added.

Allyson reacted to Osaka's post and heaped praise on her perspective.

"It’s the perspective for me. So proud of you," Felix wrote.

Screenshot of Allyson Felix's comment on Naomi Osaka's Instagram post.

"Systems aren’t in place for mothers whatsoever" - Allyson Felix on launching the Olympic Village’s first nursery

Allyson Felix at the 2024 Paris Olympics. (Image by Getty)

After competing in her last race at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, Allyson Felix graced the 2024 Paris Olympics with her presence.

She was present at the venue to launch the Olympic Village's first nursery, which provided the athlete mothers with a private area to breastfeed or spend time with their children.

Felix, whose daughter was born two months early due to preeclampsia, emphasized basic facilities for mother athletes so that they don't have to choose between profession and motherhood.

“The systems aren’t in place for mothers whatsoever,” Felix said. "I’m just trying to use my voice and speak up for some of these pretty basic things and try to see what we can implement,"(in Fortune Well).

“I don’t want any other woman to feel like she has to choose between her profession and motherhood, and definitely not to have to hide bringing a new life into this world,” she added.

Allyson Felix secured 11 Olympic medals, including seven gold, three silver and one bronze medal.