'No Layups' podcast dives into athletes' minds after Naomi Osaka withdraws from French Open

Thursday, June 3, 2021
Naomi Osaka controversy in focus on 'No Layups' podcast
With both praise and criticism being levied at the tennis star, the podcast dives deeper into the mental state of athletes.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Tennis star Naomi Osaka's decision to skip post-match media scrums at the French Open, as well as her eventual withdrawal from the major tournament, is putting mental health in focus throughout the sports world.

The No. 2-ranked woman in tennis cited her mental well-being for her choice to bail on press conferences at Roland Garros.

SEE MORE: Tennis champion Naomi Osaka withdraws from French Open

The reaction over Osaka's decision is strong, both praising and critical of the 23-year-old.

Thursday's "No Layups" podcast dives into athletic psyche when former ESPN anchor and Duke tennis player Prim Siripipat joins hosts ABC13's David Nuno and Raheel Ramzanali.

Siripipat, who is currently a doctoral candidate in psychology, is discussing the mental side of athletics and Osaka's situation.

Siripipat is also talking about the relaunch of her "The Next Chapter" podcast, as well as an ESPN experience that she has shared with Raheel when both were early in their careers. (Think "American Idol" for sports anchors.)

You can watch it in the video player above or on your favorite streaming devices, like Roku, FireTV, AppleTV and GoogleTV. Just search "ABC13 Houston."

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