The 2021 French Open was a turning point in the history of tennis. It saw the withdrawal of Naomi Osaka ahead of her second-round match due to mental health issues. The Japanese star broke down during an interview and announced her withdrawal from the tournament. It became a talking point in the tennis world which saw many players opening up about their mental health troubles and many supporting Osaka. More than three years after that eventful incident, some still raise question marks over Osaka’s temperament. However, a renowned journalist backed Osaka with a massive claim.

Of late, Osaka hasn’t been in the best of form and suffered a frustrating second-round defeat at the US Open. With the pressure of expectations mounting on her, British journalist Candy Reid talked about Osaka’s mental fortitude and put forward an interesting opinion.

During the Tennis Channel Inside-In podcast, Reid felt that Osaka has become mentally tougher now. She said, “I think the question about her mindset is never in doubt. It’s always been a question about the tactical side of the game. She won a lot during her junior days because she’s mentally tough. If someone’s so young and so much under pressure since the age of 15 when she took out Venus Williams, she has a massive target. She has been a mental giant, to overcome what she’s overcome and I think she also has an amazing family and an amazing team to look after her. She is a really nice young woman.”

Along with the claims of suffering from mental health issues, Osaka once also revealed that she was introverted. “Anyone that knows me knows that I’m introverted, and anyone that has seen me at the tournaments will notice that I’m often wearing headphones as that helps dull my social anxiety,” Osaka added in a social media post after her French Open withdrawal in 2021.

However, three years down the line, Osaka is in a good space now, as revealed by Candy Reid. Even her new coach, Patrick Mouratoglou lauded Osaka’s efforts of late.

Patrick Mouratoglou on Naomi Osaka: ‘Proud of all her efforts’

Last month, Osaka separated from her coach Wim Fissette, and announced Patrick Mouratoglou as her new coach. In their first tournament together, Osaka reached the fourth round in Beijing before pulling out of the pre-quarterfinal clash against Coco Gauff due to a back injury. Nonetheless, Mouratoglou was proud of Osaka’s performance first-up and lauded her efforts.

He revealed, “It’s been our first tournament together with @naomiosaka and it was so rich in terms or learning. From the practice sessions to the warm ups on match days, to all the preparations and the match briefing and debriefings, I got so much to learn about her… I am really proud of all her efforts, her focus and willingness to learn and progress. It’s the best attitude to be in a growth process. Now is time to heal and get ready for new challenges.”

With the extent of Osaka’s back injury unknown, it remains to be seen when she can make a comeback. Can the Japanese star finish off her season on a high? Let us know your views in the comments below.