Naomi Osaka, the former world number one from Japan, has candidly shared her struggles with adjusting to professional tennis after a maternity break. Osaka, who welcomed her first child, daughter Shai, in July 2023, returned to competitive tennis in January 2024. However, she has encountered significant challenges in regaining her pre-maternity form, which has left her feeling estranged from her own game.
Osaka’s performance since her return has been underwhelming by her high standards. She has failed to advance past the quarter-finals in any tournament this year, a stark contrast to her past successes. In a recent Instagram post, Osaka revealed her profound discomfort with her current condition, stating, “My biggest issue currently isn't losses though, my biggest issue is that I don't feel like I'm in my body.” This statement underscores her struggle to reestablish a connection with her physical form and the tennis court after her break.
Osaka’s struggles were evident during her recent defeat to American Ashlyn Kreuger in the second round of qualifying for the Cincinnati Open. The loss has added to her frustration, as she described her current experience as akin to being post-partum, despite her extensive history with the sport. She lamented, “That scares me because I've been playing tennis since I was three; the racket should feel like an extension of my hand.” This analogy highlights the depth of her current disorientation and disconnection from her game.
Despite these setbacks, Osaka has demonstrated her competitive spirit and capability. She managed to push current world number one Iga Swiatek to the limit in a gripping second-round match at the French Open in May. This performance indicated that, despite her struggles, she retains the skill and tenacity to compete at the highest levels. Nonetheless, Osaka expressed confusion over why her game feels almost brand new to her, stating, “This should be as simple as breathing to me, but it's not.” Her admission reflects the mental and emotional toll of adapting to her new circumstances.
In addition to her physical and mental challenges, Osaka has also been reflecting on her transition and its impact on her self-perception and performance. She mentioned that she has not given herself sufficient grace for these changes, suggesting a need for self-compassion and patience during this transitional phase. As she prepares to compete in the US Open later this month, where she has previously triumphed twice, Osaka’s ability to navigate these complex adjustments will be closely watched.
Osaka's journey underscores the unique challenges faced by athletes returning from significant life changes. Her openness about her struggles offers insight into the often-unseen difficulties of balancing personal life with professional demands. As she continues to grapple with these adjustments, the upcoming US Open will be a critical juncture in determining her ability to regain her previous level of excellence and comfort on the court.
