With a smile on her face, Osaka told reporters that she was “concerned about this press conference because I knew I would get a lot of questions about this”.
Last year, Osaka was visibly stressed and emotional as he addressed the media at a mandatory press conference at Roland Garros.
The former world number one then withdrew from the 2021 French Open, revealing that she had “had protracted depression” since winning her first major championship in 2018.
“Of course I didn’t like the way I handled the whole situation either, but I was afraid that there were people I had insulted in some way and that I would bump into them,” Osaka said on Friday.
‘For the most part I think I’m fine’
Osaka thought about what happened in 2021 and revealed that she was preparing for how people would react to her return.
“I think for me where I am now, I wouldn’t say it hasn’t gone out of my head. Of course I’m still thinking about it.
“I’m also preparing a bit in case I go out on the field and a fan says something like in Indian Wells. Yeah, for the most part I think I’m fine.”
An unseeded Osaka will face number 27 seeded Amanda Anisimova in the first round of the 2022 French Open on Sunday.
