Watch video content at TMZSports.comBillie Jean King, a tennis legend, is singing the praises of Naomi Osaka... telling TMZ Sports that she adores Naomi for her impact on the court and off it.Osaka quickly rose to prominence in sports, using her platform for social justice issues like mental health awareness.Although she continues to be an influential outside of competition, the #2-ranked professional shocked fans when she was kicked out of the Olympics in the first round earlier in the week. This left many wondering if she has lost any steps on the court.BJK, however, is not having any of that talk. She said, "She's taking a break." It's still there. Are you kidding? Shes just getting started. Shes so young.""No, she hasn't lost a step. "None at all,"King cannot say enough positive things about Osaka... and then added, "I love that she speaks out on issues like social justice and matters such as mental health and black lives are important and everything." She is my favorite.Remember that Osaka pulled out of the French Open earlier this year and missed Wimbledon... calling out the media and sharing her struggle with depression.King commends Osaka for speaking up... but also stated that it was something her era had also faced."But, we did actually worry about it, but we didn't talk about. It is something that the WTA, Womens Tennis Association, does concern themselves with.
