"She's a role model for so many people and a bright light in tennis" - Chris Evert on Naomi Osaka

Eurosport expert Chris Evert has given her views on hecklers in tennis and Naomi Osaka being a "bright light" in the sport after her experience at Indian Wells.

A spectator shouted “Naomi, you suck” at the Japanese star at the event in the California desert, with the four-time Grand Slam champion visibly upset during her straight-sets defeat against Veronika Kudermetova. Osaka wanted to speak to the fan using the umpire’s microphone – a request which was denied – although she was interviewed afterwards and referenced a video of abuse being aimed at Serena and Venus Williams at the same tournament in 2001 as a reason for the heckling particularly affecting her.

Speaking about the situation, Evert said:

"I would never use the word 'overreacted' with Naomi; she is a sensitive human being. 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."

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She further said:

"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."

Evert finished off with:

"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."

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Very proud of myself for reaching a point in my life that despite the lows, I would still rather be myself than anyone else.

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