"Thanks to Naomi Osaka" - Alize Lim credits Osaka for players speaking up publicly

Naomi Osaka shifted the discussion to mental health in tennis players last year by going public with her own struggles.

The Japanese player did not handle it in the best of ways but the French Open fiasco opened the door for her to talk more openly about what she has been feeling. Other players have followed suit such as Paula Badosa another player who openly discussed her issues with mental health over the years.

Just recently Simona Halep admitted to having a panic attack on the court which is something that very few players would ever admit to. Emma Raducanu is presumed to have had one at Wimbledon last year but worked through it and won the US Open not long after that. Speaking about those instances, Lim said:

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"I think honestly that everyone feels more free to talk about things thanks to Naomi Osaka. The way that she opened up about it last year and during the whole season and it really helped other players talk about it. If the world number one or someone who won grand slams is doing it, then it's okay for me to do it. I think it's really positive. Maybe they can get help with it, be less ashamed of it, and be treated in a better way. "