“Pressure Is Exhausting at Some Point”: Simona Halep Supports Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles Over Mental Health Struggles

In recent months, many athletes have faced issues related to mental illness. Romanian tennis player Simona Halep spoke on this issue and could relate to the troubles being faced by Japanese star Naomi Osaka and American gymnast Simone Biles. 

In recent months, Naomi Osaka was facing mental issues and had decided to boycott post-match press conferences. On the other hand, Simone Biles withdrew from two events at the Tokyo Olympics due to similar reasons. Recently, Simona Halep voiced her opinion on this subject. 

The former Wimbledon champion stated, “It’s a big problem, I’ve felt it for years. In 2014, I felt it the most, because I was at the beginning, I didn’t know how to manage all the tournaments, the success I had. It is an emotional load every week to be at the top and I agree with them (eds. Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka) that maybe some athletes fail to manage this pressure.”

(Quotes translated using Google Translate)

Simona Halep faced similar problems in 2014

The Romanian star revealed her problems on similar grounds back in 2014. To handle fame along with the load of the various tournaments in different parts of the world can get taxing. However, by continuously dealing with the same situation, one can get the better of the situation.

The 29-year-old added, “The pressure is exhausting at some point, you feel that you no longer have the strength to go, to train, you have to resist an entire match, tournament after tournament. The performance is very difficult, from my point of view, but if you have the desire and if you accept everything that happens to you, even the failure, I consider that from tournament to tournament, you are much stronger.”

Simona has been on the sidelines since the past couple of Grand Slam events. Fans will hope to see her regain full fitness and come back on the courts much stronger. 

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