Naomi Osaka took countermeasures after the unfortunate episode that saw her protagonist in Indian Wells. The Japanese tennis player, who seems to have lived a whole life for all the vicissitudes that have involved her but is only 24 years old, has in fact returned to the topic of mental health, which is very delicate for her to deal with but which at the same time cares a lot.
Osaka had come to California with her mind full of positive thoughts and feelings, declaring that she felt at peace with herself thinking of nothing but having fun, except collapsing in a moment in the face of the stupidity of a spectator who has thought it best to scream: you suck!
during her match against Veronika Kudermetova, lost sharply. However, the Japanese responded to the events of Indian Wells on the court, with a brilliant debut at the WTA 1000 in Miami (6-2 6-3 at Kerber), and off the court, using a specialist who can support her on a psychological level.
Naomi Osaka: “I went to the psychologist after Indian Wells”
In the press conference following her victory over Angelique Kerber, Naomi Osaka addressed, among other things, the topic of mental health. It is nice to note how, according to her, asking for support from a specialized person is providing her with the tools to react, starting with metabolizing the events of Indian Wells: “I finally started going to the psychologist after Indian Wells, it took me, only one year after the French Open.
Eventually, she taught me strategies and I realized how useful it is. I am happy to have people around me who pushed me into this decision. Now I try to do all the things recommended by the therapist like deep breaths and press the reset button when I need it.
From a certain point of view I have re-evaluated the situation of Indian Wells, I have never been verbally insulted in this way and it has destabilized me. Now I think I’m more prepared for these things.”