‘Naomi Osaka’ review: A Netflix documentary portraying a young athlete struggling with the weight of her tennis star

For Osaka, that meant being chased by a camera crew (an ironic choice, in some respects) when she appeared on the show “Ellen”, taking part in photo sessions and timing. page and sat through a “summit” of companies looking to potentially do business with her. That last sequence underscores the extent to which an athlete like Osaka has become her own “brand,” with all the expectations and public-facing pressures associated with that.

Osaka’s complaints can be easily dismissed as high-profile issues, from maintaining his then-world No 1 ranking to lingering questions from reporters – a small price to pay. , it seems, for the wealth and other benefits that come with the star cast.

However, what “Naomi Osaka” illustrates, quite effectively, are the trade-offs involved in that, including how Osaka, like many prodigies, spent a carefree childhood with a distant childhood. untold hours of practice on the tennis court.

Hearing Osaka grappling with her doubts and insecurities can be uncomfortable and intrusive at times, but it manifests in its own way. Indeed, being able to be jealous of all she has and still feel sympathy for the sacrifices made to get it – which in terms of the points “Naomi Osaka” is intended to achieve, is quite a feat. play, arrange and match. .

“Naomi Osaka” premieres July 16 on Netflix.