Osaka ‘at peace’ ahead of tennis tournament
INDIAN WELLS –
Naomi Osaka mentioned she had a brand new perspective on tennis after taking a break from the game final 12 months to prioritize her psychological well being and is now targeted on “making an attempt laborious and having enjoyable” at Indian Wells.
Osaka introduced the hiatus after she suffered an emotional loss within the third spherical of the U.S. Open to Leylah Fernandez in September, and it was unclear when she would play once more.
“I’ve discovered to take pleasure in my time extra,” she informed reporters on Wednesday on the eve of her first spherical showdown with Sloane Stephens.
“This second in my life, taking part in tennis, I’ve educated my complete life for it. However after I’m 70, it should most likely be a small chapter for me. So I’ve to take pleasure in it whereas I nonetheless can.
“I am simply making an attempt to understand each event.”
Osaka fell within the third spherical of the Australian Open to Amanda Anisimova however mentioned she felt good about her effort and the way she coped with the defeat.
“I felt the distinction in Australia. Once I performed my final match towards Amanda, I left the courtroom pondering I did my finest, and I had match factors.”
Osaka mentioned she would not “dwell prior to now anymore” however acknowledged that it was good to be again in Indian Wells, the WTA 1000 event she received in 2018 to assert her first title.
Osaka’s break from the WTA Tour and her early exit in Australia have despatched the four-time main champion and former world primary’s rating tumbling. The 24-year-old is at the moment ranked 78 however was upbeat when speaking to the media.
“I am at peace with myself, which is a extremely good feeling to have,” she mentioned.
“And I am actually grateful. I used to be strolling round throughout qualifiers and normally individuals say to me, ‘Win the event’ or ‘I’ve tickets to the finals, see you there.’
“This time individuals had been simply saying, ‘I hope you could have enjoyable.’ It meant lots to me.”
(Enhancing by Toby Davis)
