Osaka: Why I May Never Talk To My Team Again During Matches

Naomi Osaka marked her return to the WTA Tour with a victory over Tamara Korpatsch in Brisbane, showcasing impressive tennis and garnering significant support from the audience.

The four-time Grand Slam champion secured the win in straight sets. During the interval between sets, she chose to engage in a conversation with her coaching team, seeking their insights in her first match back. This form of communication, now permitted, became a new element for Osaka to navigate, as the WTA altered the rule while she was on maternity leave.

In her post-match remarks, Osaka mentioned that her decision to communicate with her team was prompted by nerves, acknowledging that, under normal circumstances, it might be more beneficial for her to concentrate on her individual focus.

“I was just really nervous so I wanted to see if talking would help. I realize I’m the kind of player that needs to focus a lot because my mind does wander quite often.”

It is natural for a player, even someone of Osaka’s caliber, to feel anxious after an extended hiatus from the game. Increased communication often serves as a common coping mechanism, and it is commendable for the former Australian Open champion to openly acknowledge this reality.

Osaka, who contemplated leaving tennis before her comeback, went on to express that she likely wouldn’t engage in such communication again, with one potential exception.

“I probably won’t do that again unless it’s, like, really close, maybe in the third set.”

Osaka is still navigating the early stages of her comeback. Achieving the level she once held may require some time, but given her exceptional talent, it is highly likely that she will eventually reach those heights again.