Naomi Osaka, a tennis phenomenon known for her indomitable spirit and drive, has her eyes set on the grandest of prizes in tennis: Wimbledon and Roland Garros (the French Open). Despite a rocky journey back to the tennis court after giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in August 2023, and dealing with injuries, Osaka’s passion for the sport remains undiminished, and her aspirations are as high as ever.
Osaka’s 2024 season was one of perseverance. She wrestled with early exits and injuries, including back and abdominal problems during the Asian tour. Yet, she found a way to cap off her season on a high note at the China Open and made an impressive comeback in Auckland, where she reached the finals against Clara Tauson. However, her journey at the Australian Open was cut short in the third round due to an abdominal injury.
Since her withdrawal from the Australian Open, Osaka has kept her fans updated on her rehabilitation and practice sessions. With her coach, Patrick Mouratoglou at her side, she’s been putting in the hours, often humorously remarking that the intense training might necessitate an “ambulance” soon. Yet, behind the laughter, Osaka is fiercely focused on regaining her top-tier status.
In a conversation with CNN on February 22, Osaka unveiled her goals for the 2025 season. She stated that she aims to conquer Wimbledon and Roland Garros and earn a career grand slam. Currently, Osaka, who ranks 57th in the WTA, has two US Open titles (2018, 2020) and two Australian Open titles (2019, 2021) under her belt. However, the French Open and Wimbledon are two Grand Slams that have eluded her, a fact she’s determined to change.
Osaka’s past is marked by great successes but also significant challenges. In 2021, she battled depression and other issues, leading to her well-publicized exit from the French Open and Wimbledon. The following year saw her grappling with early exits when she did compete. Then, in January 2023, she announced her pregnancy and stepped away from the game for a year. Regardless of her past triumphs, Osaka believes she has more to conquer. She stated, “It’s interesting when I hear from an outside perspective because, of course, all of the achievements (I’ve had so far) are great, but I always feel like there’s a lot more to do.”
Osaka’s return to tennis after her 15-month break was not an easy one. In an email interview with The Japan Times, she shared, “It’s definitely been a challenge returning to elite sport after giving birth. The sport continues with or without you and you’re playing a bit of catch-up when returning from a hiatus.” Despite the hurdles, Osaka is optimistic about her progress, particularly as she feels she’s returning to her pre-pregnancy performance level.
The tennis star has openly discussed her postpartum body image struggles and insecurities as a new mom. However, in her words, she’s “reclaiming her pink” – an encouraging phrase inspired by flamingos that lose their vibrant color while caring for their babies, only to regain it over time. This metaphor perfectly encapsulates Osaka’s journey as she balances the demands of motherhood and elite sports.
As Osaka gears up for her return to Indian Wells, tennis enthusiasts worldwide are eager to see if she can make a deep run in this tournament, which she has previously dominated. Will Naomi Osaka bag another Grand Slam this year? Only time will tell. As we wait, we can be sure that she will continue to train hard and keep her eyes on the prize.
