"I'm at peace with myself" says Osaka ahead of Indian Wells

2021 was a very tough year for Naomi Osaka who spent the majority of it away from the court due to personal struggles.

This year is much more positive for Osaka who spoke with reporters ahead of her Indian Wells return to tennis explaining that she is much more at peace with herself following the hiatus. Osaka returned in Australia earlier this year and played okay before getting beaten by Anisimova in Melbourne. Speaking about all of that, she said:

“Honestly, I feel like I’m at peace with myself, which I think is a great feeling to have as a person. For me, the biggest focus this year is, of course, I want to do well in every tournament. But I think just knowing that I tried as hard as I could and I enjoyed myself … I felt the difference in Australia. I actually left the court thinking, ‘You know what, I did my best.’ And I had match points. That was pretty good.”

Osaka further explained her new mindset saying:

“I’ve learned to enjoy my time more. This moment in my life, playing tennis, I’ve trained my entire life for it. But when I’m 70, it will probably be a small chapter for me. So I have to enjoy it while I still can. I’m just trying to appreciate every tournament.”