"I hope Naomi Osaka finds the balance again to be tough on the court and then sensitive off of it because that is the real her"- Chris Evert
Tennis legend Chris Evert hopes Naomi Osaka can get tough on the court while remaining sensitive off of it. Evert reckons the four-time Slam winner has to develop a thick skin to stay successful on the WTA circuit.
The Japanese recently broke down in tears during her second-round match at Indian Wells after being heckled by a spectator. She was visibly rattled and lost the match in straight sets.
Speaking to Eurosport, Evert said that the former World No. 1 will gradually learn how to tune out such outside noise and focus on her own game.
"I would never use the word 'overreacted' with Naomi; she is a sensitive human being," Evert said. "I think Naomi is learning now or will learn, that when you are competing in front of thousands of people and you are that exposed on the court, there may be one or two hecklers out there, that you have to learn to tune out."
Evert also mentioned that Osaka and other players need to have a balance of being thick-skinned and sensitive.
"Unfortunately, you have to have a thick skin. But you can have a thick skin while you're competing and then you can still be sensitive off the court with your feelings, but you have to learn that balance, that combination because hecklers have been there for a long time and I think every top player has had that experience, which is disturbing and heartbreaking."
"But at the same time, you don't want to let one moment like that affect you so that you never play the same and you lose the match, especially somebody like Naomi, who has been such a bright light for not only tennis players but all athletes, all people when it comes to mental wellness. She has taught us a lot and she has really exposed that area of health that is very, very important. She has been, you know, such a role model for so many people."
Evert added that fans who really know Osaka will be rooting for her in her journey.
"I think this is a process for her. This is a learning process for her in life and on the tennis court. I think all of us who know her support her in her journey and hope that she finds the balance again to be tough on the court and then sensitive off of it because that is the real her."
"Disturbing and heartbreaking"
Chris Evert gives her view on hecklers after "role model" Naomi Osaka was visibly upset by her experience at Indian Wells
@ChrissieEvert | @naomiosaka
Naomi Osaka could face Angelique Kerber in the second round in Miami
The 24-year-old is currently competing in the Miami Open and will take on Australia's Astra Sharma in the first round. Both players initially received wildcards before replacing Camilla Osorio and Andrea Petkovic in the main draw respectively.
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@IMGTennisReady for Round 1️⃣.
@naomiosaka on Stadium Court at 12 PM today! 💪 @IMGTennis https://t.co/CIkDvNeExF
Osaka and Sharma will meet for the very first time and a victory for the Japanese would set up a meeting with former World No. 1 Angelique Kerber in the second round.