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Tennis Podcaster Worries About Naomi Osaka's "Radar for Toxic Men"

Catherine Whitaker of The Tennis Podcast is worried about Naomi Osaka's "radar for toxic men."
Pat Benson|
Naomi Osaka and Patrick Mouratoglou after a practice session.
Naomi Osaka and Patrick Mouratoglou after a practice session. | IMAGO / Photosport NZ

Equality has been a never-ending battle for WTA players. One of the many examples of inequities is the lack of night session matches at Roland Garros.

While speaking on television at Roland Garros, Patrick Mouratoglou said that was because there were no star players on the women's side. Of course, Mouratoglou is Naomi Osaka's coach.

During her pre-tournament press conference at Wimbledon on Saturday, David Law of The Tennis Podcast asked Osaka about Mouratoglou's comment. Osaka said she had not heard that comment but was open to speaking with her coach about it.

After Law recounted the story on today's episode, co-host Catherine Whitaker expressed her concern for Osaka.

Whitaker prefaced her statement by acknowledging how she loved Osaka and recognized that there could be a healthy boundary in how Osaka separates herself from Mouratoglou's comments.

"That line she gave after Paris is kind of haunting me, about 'feeling like I Patrick down.' She's playing mixed doubles with Nick Kyrgios at the US Open, and her management company represents him. I do worry about her radar for toxic men, quite frankly. And I worry for her for that reason, " said Whitaker.

That is a really troubling assertion from Whitaker, but the tennis podcaster is known for her tough questions and rigorous reporting. It has helped make The Tennis Podcast an absolute must-listen for fans.

Osaka faces Talia Gibson in the first round of Wimbledon tomorrow, Monday, June 30. Osaka is currently the WTA World No. 53 with a record of 18-9.

Stay locked into Sports Illustrated's Serve On SI for all of your tennis news from the court and beyond.

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Pat Benson
PAT BENSON

Pat Benson covers professional tennis for Serve on Sports Illustrated, reporting on ATP and WTA events worldwide. From Challenger tournaments to Grand Slams, he brings readers in-depth coverage, daily recaps, and exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. With a decade of experience in sports journalism, Pat is recognized as a trusted voice in tennis media. You can contact him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.

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