Sure, professional tennis demands an impressive amount of physical power, agility, and speed.
And because [it] is a solo sport, youre kind of by yourself, she added.
Osaka withdrew from the 2021 French Open to focus on her mental health.
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In a polarizing move, the tennis superstar announced she would beskipping post-game interviewsat the 2021 French Open.
Im just not going to subject myself to people that doubt me.
She ended up incurring a $15,000 fine.
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And five days later, Osaka officially pulled out from the tournament.
Osaka added she would be taking some time away from the court.
She told the world shes struggled with bouts of depression since 2018.
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I have had a really hard time coping with that, she shared.
Osaka admitted she felt a great amount of pressure to disclose her symptoms.
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Her decision to step back sent shockwaves through the sports world.
She even questioned her future in tennis.
Tennis can be full of surprises, even for a seasoned champ like Osaka.
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Normally I feel like I like challenges.
Eventually, she started working with a therapist.
I dont know why, but it went into my head.
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Since that moment, she told SELF for a 2022cover storythat she started consistently going to therapy.
Im super happy that I found the right person who really understands me, she said.
It can be helpful to everyone in some shape or form…it doesnt mean you are broken.
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Her self-care routine centers around meditation and journaling.
Another key (and super cute) player in lifting her spirits?
Her French bulldog, Butta.
Hes a big source of comfort for me.
Whenever you pick him up, he just becomes a big baby, she gushed.
Hes really good at cuddling.
I really love that about him.
Her mental health breaks really raised my love for the sport.
During this discussion, Osaka shared her perspective on admitting when shes not okay.
Now the tennis star is comfortableasking for helpfrom friends and protecting her boundaries.
However, taking a hiatus to tend to herself inspired her to reconsider her career path.
I was thinking, I probably, no way, will ever play at their age.
But sitting here, Im like, No, you know what?
I might do that, she said, per reporting from theAssociated Press.
Recently she said shes in a good place mentally.
I dont know why, but today I just woke up very peaceful, Osaka told reporters.
Like, my daughter will still love me.
I have so many people around me…I hope that mentality stays and continues.
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