Intense competition and frequent traveling can make tennis players live a very introverted lifestyle, but social friendships do exist off the court and can be extremely priceless.
Naomi Osaka recently revealed that she enjoys a special connection with three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray, who has prioritized checking on her mental well-being whenever they “bump into each other.”
Osaka has been forthright about her struggles with depression, which have engulfed her after the 2018 US Open final – the year she won her first Grand Slam. In the past, she suffered from bouts of anxiety when speaking at press conferences.
A few seasons ago, the Japanese star refused to attend a post-match press conference at the French Open because of fear of speaking to the press. After being fined by the tournament, Osaka ended up pulling out from the event. ‘
Having received enormous support from the tennis world and taking an indefinite break from tennis to focus on her mental health, Osaka has found solace and has found the antidote to control her anxiety.
Ahead of her first-round match at the Indian Wells Open, Osaka referred to Murray as a “super friendly” pro in a video shared by the tournament’s official X account.
The 26-year-old also opined that she is “too shy” to initiate a conversation, but Murray has always greeted her when they see each other while on tour.
“He’s always been super friendly to me coming up on tour. Whenever we’d bump into each other he’d say hi because obviously I’m too shy to say hi. I feel like he’s in a way always checking on me, especially when all the hard stuff happens.”
Osaka will face Italian qualifier Sara Errani on Thursday. She is a former champion at Indian Wells. Murray, meanwhile, won his first-round match against Belgium’s David Goffin in straight sets. The Briton intends to retire this year, possibly after the Paris Olympics.
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