Naomi Osaka has stated why it may be best for her not to communicate with her team during matches.
Osaka made her comeback to the WTA Tour with a victory in Brisbane against Tamara Korpatsch. She produced some excellent tennis on her return, and received a large amount of support from the crowd.
The four-time Grand Slam champion won in straight sets. Between the two sets, she elected to speak directly with her coaching team about the match, seeking their guidance in her first match back.
This communication between players and their teams is now allowed. The WTA changed the rule while Osaka was away on maternity leave. This makes it an extra factor for the Japanese player to contend with.
Speaking after the match, Osaka said that she was talking to her team because of nerves and that it would usually be better for her to focus on herself.
"I was just really nervous so I wanted to see if talking would help. I realize I'm the kind of player that needs to focus a lot because my mind does wander quite often."
It is understandable for a player to be anxious after so long out, even one of Osaka's immense class. More frequent communication is a common coping mechanism, and it is admirable for the former Australian Open champion to be honest about this.
Osaka, who considered quitting tennis before her comeback, then said she probably would not talk like that again, although she did give one possible exception.
"I probably won't do that again unless it's, like, really close, maybe in the third set."
Osaka is still figuring things out so early into her comeback. It may take some time to reach the level she was once at, but a player of her outstanding talent is nearly certain to get there eventually.
0 Comments