“If you have mental issues, you need to recover,” Dominic Thiem backs Naomi Osaka’s decision amidst a huge uproar

“If you have mental issues, you need to recover,” Dominic Thiem backs Naomi Osaka’s decision amidst a huge uproar

Dominic Thiem

Dominic Thiem has an impressive record at the French Open over the years. The Austrian was unfortunate to finish as the runner-up to Rafael Nadal on two consecutive occasions in 2018 and 2019. Many believe that Thiem is the man to stop Rafael Nadal’s dominance at the French Open. However, he has not been in his best form this season, and is yet to win a title.

Dominic Thiem took a short break from tour this year, as his right foot needed some healing. However, the world number four also revealed that he took the break to find himself in a better place mentally. Naomi Osaka has been criticized heavily in the past few days, because of her decision to avoid the press at the French Open 2021.

Several players like Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Iga Swiatek have given their opinion on the same, and believe that giving press conferences is a part of a player’s duty. However, Dominic Thiem sided with Naomi Osaka, and stated that it is important to fix mental issues at the earliest, and one needs his/her time and space to reover.

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Dominic Thiem defends Naomi Osaka’s decision

Dominic Thiem
Dominic Thiem

Dominic Thiem stated that tennis goes on for majority of the year, and one can have their own problems. “Tennis lasts 11 months a year. You can have mental issues. If you are not in your best shape, you need to recover. That’s what I did this year taking a break,” said Thiem.

Dominic Thiem also spoke about the stringent rules at French Open 2021, and gave an account of what he noticed in lead up to the event. Only up to two people are allowed to accompany a player at French Open, which is a luxury given to only top seeded players.

“This morning we met Roger Federer’s physio, who cannot enter the site as you can only be accompanied by two people,” said Thiem. The Austrian is in the second half of the draw at French Open 2021, and will open his campaign against Pablo Andujar in the first round.

Also Read: WTA issues clarification letter in response to Naomi Osaka’s press conference withdrawal at French Open