ダニエル太郎のインスタグラム(tarodaniel) - 8月21日 09時09分

”I definitely feel some true pressure. It's mixed, mostly from myself, but also triggered a little bit by maybe some fans in Japan. I think I receive extra financial help or sponsors than most people around my ranking or even higher have. Sometimes I feel almost guilty for having them. You'd have players around my ranking struggling financially sometimes. I feel the pressure to keep on improving my ranking in order to maintain the status I have gained in Japan. Last year was basically the first year I made a satisfying amount of money. When I was younger I would think, ‘Hey, if I can make this much out of tennis a year, then I would be happy or satisfied and wouldn't have to worry about money anymore. Then I can concentrate more on the process or improving’. When money or sponsors come into your life they bring new problems. They're unexpected problems that you've never dealt with, that I've had to deal with this year, that I've struggled with a bit more than anticipated. Last year was the first time I've ever got into some big TV shows in Japan and made a name for myself. I thought it would all change and become easier to succeed. Two or three years ago I felt really comfortable at the challenger level. I was now struggling to win matches even after getting my career high of 67. It's weird because in the beginning you don't pursue fame or recognition. I imagined it must be nice, but that's not why I'm playing, and then you get a piece of it. I find that it’s like more of an unhealthy drug. When it's not there anymore, you're wondering where it went. Then in the back of your mind you’re thinking, a few months ago I was playing in this stadium at the US Open and a couple of weeks later I'm in the first round of a challenger with five people watching. I don't think people realize how good all players are in the challenger level or the upper future levels. I’ve recently accepted the pressures I deal with after diving deep into my emotions. I figured out I just need to get in there and start facing them head on. That’s the only way.”

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misterchungonfire Hi @tarodaniel. I don’t normally post comments like this. I’m not a professional tennis player, just a regular fan of the game. Not sure if it would make sense to you if I say “I fully understand what you mean and go thru” especially on the pressures which you described above. The part about going from a stadium packed with spectators to only a handful is real. On the other end of the spectrum and as a ‘big fan’, I sometimes feel as tho I give / create indirect pressure on the player that I’m supporting. I watched your shows (the one with Kei where you guys played games on tv) while I was with my family and it was really good fun! All I want to say is, the road may be Long but you can do it! Keep fighting! 👊🏻🙌🏻 - J

mistyjazzy Well said ✨ You were brave enough to go deep into your emotion and accepted all your pressures and uncomfortable circumstances, and decided to face with. I was struggling with similar thing although in a different field and probably different level of pressure, so I do hear you. Thanks for being honest. Sharing this with us gives us a lot of energy.

globalfreeze Just a basic question… Are you a Japanese citizen living in United States? It’s cool if you are, it just says that you’re Japanese so I didn’t know if that means you’re not an American citizen? That’s great too. Because you say you were born here, so wouldn’t you be a US citizen...with Japanese heritage? Just trying to clarify. Thanks for reading.

gutzpose Keep pursuing your true love and passion. Everyone and everything else is around you to support. Easier said than done but try not to let them get to you and affect you negatively. You’re doing awesome👏👍 Keeping going at your pace🔥🎾

taccumie Much appreciated you share those great words. We fans love to watch your tennis, please believe in yourself that all you get is because of your effort💪

keimeosamase Your honesty is much appreciated. Thank you for sharing your innermost feelings. Rooting for you and your tennis career going forward.

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