Azarenka believes mental health is downplayed because "it's invisible"

With World Mental Health Day occurring during the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells event, several players were asked to give their opinions on what the subject means to them, including any challenges they may have faced.

Former World No.1 Victoria Azarenka was one of the players interviewed, and she discussed the progress society has made regarding what was once a taboo subject.

"I think the world is changing their perception of what mental health is," said Azarenka after her win over Petra Kvitova.

However, the two-time Indian Wells champion added that people tend to overlook the dangers of mental health issues, believing them to be less severe than physical ailments.

"We have that empathy when we see somebody who is physically hurt," said Azarenka. "We feel a certain empathic emotion towards somebody. Mental health is something that is invisible. I think it is as strong, as powerful as any physical health."