Two-time Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova believes Naomi Osaka needs to overcome her introverted personality in order to help her deal with being in the media spotlight.
Kvitova, who lost to the Japanese player in the final of the Australian Open, said she had a similar mindset growing up. Earlier this week Osaka admitted that she was finding it ‘tough’ dealing with her surge in popularity and media attention. Within the past 12 months, she has broken into the world’s top 40, won the Indian Wells Open and claimed two grand slam titles. The world No.1 crashed out in her opening match at the Dubai Tennis Championships this week.
“I don’t think I necessarily understand what position I’m in, in a way, because last year I wasn’t even anywhere close to this ranking. People didn’t pay attention to me. That’s something that I’m comfortable with,” Osaka told reporters earlier this week.
“I don’t know why I’m crying. Yeah. I don’t know why this is happening.”
“I don’t really like attention. It’s been a little tough.” She added.
Speaking about the 21-year-old, Kvitova believes she needs some more time to develop further on the tour. The Czech admits that she was once in a similar situation. Kvitova won her maiden Wimbledon title in 2011, but didn’t win her second until three years later.
“I think that she is kind of shy person, probably like me at the time. It was really difficult for me, that time, for sure. I totally understand Naomi.” She said.
“It’s not really easy to handle the pressure and attention and the media, press, whatever is happening in her life.
“Everything she’s been through, she really trying. That really count. That’s nice. I think she just needs little bit more time to get used to all of the things which happening in her life.”
On the other hand, Simona Halep’s journey to the top of the rankings was somewhat different. Growing up with the expectations of a nation on her shoulders, Halep’s steady rise to the top was a blessing in disguise. Becoming a regular fixture in the top 10 for a few years before rising to world No.1 in October 2017. As for Osaka, she rose from 72nd to 1st in the world in exactly a year.
“I didn’t feel very weird when I went to No. 1 seed. I didn’t have this pressure. Also I’ve been there for four years before, so No. 2, No. 3.” Said Halep.
“She’s (Osaka) different because she came last year from around 70 (in the rankings).
“I was okay. I didn’t have pressure of being No. 1.”
Osaka is far away from being in a crisis, despite recently separating from her coach. She lost three consecutive matches before going on to win the US Open and also endured a roller coaster journey on route to her triumph at the Australian Open.
“She just needs the time. I don’t think there’s any advice (to give her). I think that she just need to live it and find experiences from it. She will be fine.” Said Kvitova.
At the Dubai Tennis Championships, Kvitova and Halep will play their quarter-final matches on Thursday. Meanwhile, Osaka is set to return to action next month at the BNP Paribas Open.
