Eurosport tennis expert Alize Lim thinks players are now more openly speaking about mental health and Naomi Osaka is the one that deserves credit for that. 12 months ago, Osaka opened up about her battle with anxiety and depression.
Since then, a bigger focus has been put on athletes’ mental health. “I think honestly people feel open to talk about it thanks to Naomi Osaka,” Lim said on Eurosport. “The way that she opened up about it last year at the French Open and during the whole season really helped other players to talk about it.
If the world number one or someone who won Grand Slams is doing it then it’s OK for me to do it. So it’s really positive that she can open up about it and maybe somehow they can get help with it and be less ashamed of it and maybe be treated in a better way to improve”.
Lim on Martina Trevisan discussing eating disorder
Trevisan, who impressively reached her maiden Grand Slam semifinal at the French Open, revealed in 2020 she was battling anorexia. Now, two years later, Trevisan is enjoying the best days of her tennis career.
Reflecting on Trevisan overcoming anorexia, Lim revealed there were times when she was struggling with eating disorders. “I think it’s openly spoken about between players but not to people outside because it’s very personal,” Lim said.
“Am I worried about it? It depends on each person personally but I’m not surprised in a way. I at times had some eating disorders when I was playing because there is so much pressure and you do not feel you are controlling anything that you are doing because you want to give everything all the time.
You’re travelling, you’re sacrificing a lot but at the end of the day you lose every week most of the time and it’s always something tough on you”.
Source: Tennis World USA