'I’m too shy to say Hi,' Naomi Osaka reveals ‘special’ relationship with Andy Murray in a heartwarming snippet ahead of Indian Wells

Osaka is returning this season following her maternal break that saw her skip the entire 2023 season. She welcomed her daughter Shai with boyfriend Cordae in July. But the two-time Australian Open winner returned to training just a few weeks later to be ready for the 2024 season.

Ahead of her opening round clash at the tournament, Osaka spoke with the media team of the Indian Wells Open. From the interview, a short snippet has gone viral where the 26-year-old spoke about her special bond with the double Olympian Andy Murray.

Osaka commented on how the Scot has always looked after her with timely check-ins. She made a particular mention of the time when she withdrew from the French Open due to mental health reasons leaving the tennis fraternity divided. But Murray remained in constant touch to know after her well-being.

He's always been super friendly to me coming up on the Tour. Whenever we bumped into each other, he'd say 'Hi' because obviously, I am too shy to say 'Hi'. But, I feel like he's in a way always checking on me, like especially when all the hard stuff happens. Said Osaka, speaking with Indian Wells.

Andy Murray moves into the second round, Naomi Osaka to take the court later in the day

Looking for his first title at the coveted ‘fifth Grand Slam’ of tennis, Murray has made a good start. Up against David Goffin in the first round, the three-time singles Major winner won in straight sets. Murray dropped a mere five games to win the match 6-3, 6-2 to advance into the second round.

As for Osaka, she will begin her campaign against the qualifier Sara Errani later in the day. It will be the second meeting between the two ladies having met previously in the second round of the 2016 Miami Open. The Japanese had earned a wildcard and went on to defeat the then 14th-seeded Errani in straight-sets.

However, with play suspended due to rain, the scheduling will surely be affected. How it impacts the match between Osaka and Errani will be a big question for all fans. For Murray, he can now relax and prepare for his big second-round clash with fifth-seeded Russian hothead Andrey Rublev.