Osaka says stressful world might have increased anxiety

NAOMI Osaka remained the picture of calm answering questions on Wednesday (Thursday in Manila) after staging a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 comeback victory over Coco Gauff to reach the third round of the WTA Cincinnati Masters.

The shy Japanese second seed's anxiety over attending obligatory post-match media conferences was nowhere in evidence as she explained possible reasons for her emotional crisis, which erupted three months ago when she withdrew after playing one match at Roland Garros.