Naomi Osaka credits Giannis Antetokounmpo for giving her 'life-changing' perspective

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Naomi Osaka absolutely loved Giannis Antetokounmpo's response to an NBA reporter when the Milwaukee Bucks star was asked if this season was a failure considering their short playoff run. The Bucks, who were the No 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, suffered a shock 4-1 defeat to the eighth-seeded Miami Heat in the playoff first round.

Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP and considered by some the best basketball player in the world right now, delivered a passionate response when asked if he felt this season was a failure for him and the Bucks. “You asked me the same question last year, Eric.

Okay. Do you get a promotion every year on your job? No, right, so every year you work is a failure? Yes or no? No. Every year you work, you work towards something. Towards a goal, right? Which is to get a promotion, to be able to take care of your family.

It’s not a failure, it’s steps to success. Michael Jordan played 15 years, won six championships, the other nine years, was it failure? That’s what you’re telling me? It’s a wrong question. There is no failure in sports.

There’s good days, bad days. Some days you’re able to be successful, some days you’re not,” Antetokounmpo said after the Bucks' surprise playoff exit.

Osaka responds to Antetokounmpo's comments

“This is probably the most refreshing perspective I’ve heard.

I think it changed my life, lol,” Osaka wrote on her Instagram Story. Meanwhile, four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka is away from the game as she is expecting to soon welcome her first child. Osaka, 25, is due to give birth in June or July.

In a recent interview, Osaka confirmed she will start working on her tennis comeback after giving birth. Also, Osaka confirmed her intention to compete at the 2024 Australian Open. When Osaka returns, she is aiming to win at least eight more Grand Slams before retiring.