Naomi Osaka lost to Coco Gauff in San Jose but the Japanese player walked away from the match content with the way she played.
It was not a bad match by Osaka and certainly not one where she was dominated but Gauff did prove better 6-4 6-4. The experience was a positive one for Osaka as it made her realize that she has full confidence in who she is as a player.
It's important for Osaka because many have doubted her since her mental health issues but Osaka is enjoying playing again and she knows she doesn't cave under pressure:
"When I was playing the match just now I realized that I’ve been letting people call me mentally weak for so long that I forgot who I was. I realized that that’s something that I do. I lost the match today but I feel really confident in who I am. I feel like the pressure doesn’t beat me. I am the pressure. I’m really happy with that.”
She also praised Gauff for her development :
"She's very much a star. It's very clear. She's very important to the game. After RG last year when I withdrew, she was the 1st player to message me and I've never forgotten that. I have so much love for her and I think she behaves well beyond her age."
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