“I Was Worried That There Were People That I Offended” – Naomi Osaka Opens Up About Her Mindset Going Into French Open 2022

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka is all set to begin her campaign at Roland Garros 2022 from tomorrow. This year’s Roland Garros is crucial for Naomi as she walked out of the same midway last year. Her move resulted in a huge uproar and people started debating her commitment. Although from last year till today, the 4-time grand slam winner has justified her move as a time off to look after her mental health.

She has been very clear about it in the past that she wanted to set an example for future generations. On how they should speak up when needed and give importance to their mental health.

The debate about her mental health opened up again when she attended the pre-tournament press conference. And it was one of the obvious questions the 24-year-old was prepared to answer.

Naomi Osaka Speaks About Her Mindset Going Into the French Open 2022

Speaking to the reporters, Naomi seemed pretty confident and was armored to answer an array of questions. Regarding her return to the tournament where her problems started last year. She said that people in Olympic Village thanked her for the stance she took as an athlete. This made her realize that what she went through happens to every athlete at some point or another.

“I found it to be a very interesting experience to go to the Olympics and to like walk through the Village and people were thanking me and stuff. So I think athletes kind of all go through the same thing. It’s just like people don’t really talk about it,” she said.

Also, the 24-year-old was worried about facing the people she might have offended by her actions last year. But to her surprise, everyone was quite welcoming and positive. Adding to that, the Japanese tennis star is also ready for the likes of the fan heckling incident that happened in Indian Wells.

“I was worried that there were people that I offended some way and I would just kind of bump into them. But I think like everyone has been really positive, for the most part. Of course, I’m still thinking about it, and I’m like kind of also prepping just in case like I go on the court and a fan says something like in Indian Wells. Yeah, for the most part, I think I’m okay.” She added.

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In the take from her interview, we can say that Osaka has come prepared for all the challenges which were there last time. And her focus will be completely on playing good tennis.

The Indian Wells Incident

Earlier this year in March, Naomi Osaka had an unfortunate incident in her match against Veronika Kudermetova at Indian Wells. A fan heckled the 24-year-old, which brought her into tears.

The Japanese tennis star was still recovering from her fragile mental health and could not hide her emotions.

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Although the four-time grand slam winner has gone through a lot in the last year. But she has come a long way now and will look forward to winning her fifth Major title in the upcoming French Open.