A 12 months after her sudden withdrawal, Naomi Osaka partakes in French Open media session

May 21, 2022

Twelve months on from refusing to talk to the media in the course of the occasion, citing psychological well being causes, Osaka met the press with reflection, humor and warning.

With a smile on her face, Osaka informed reporters she was “nervous about this press convention as a result of I knew I might get lots of questions on this.”

Final 12 months, Osaka was visibly careworn and emotional whereas addressing the media throughout an compulsory information convention at Roland Garros.

The previous world primary subsequently pulled out of the 2021 French Open and revealed she had “suffered lengthy bouts of despair” since profitable her first main championship in 2018.

“In fact, I additionally did not like how I dealt with the entire scenario however I used to be nervous that there have been folks that I offended not directly and I might stumble upon them,” mentioned Osaka on Friday.

‘For essentially the most half I feel I am okay’

Osaka mirrored on what transpired in 2021 and revealed she was readying herself for a way folks would possibly react to her return.

“I feel for me the place I’m proper now, I would not wish to say that it hasn’t left my thoughts. In fact, I’m nonetheless fascinated with it.

Two months in the past, Osaka was heckled by a spectator within the crowd throughout a match at Indian Wells in California. “Naomi, you suck,” the spectator appeared to yell out. The remark introduced the Japanese celebrity to tears on the courtroom.

“I am like form of additionally prepping simply in case I’m going on the courtroom and a few fan says one thing like in Indian Wells. Yeah, for essentially the most half I feel I am okay.”

An unseeded Osaka faces No. 27 seed Amanda Anisimova on Sunday within the first spherical of the 2022 French Open.