Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, is navigating the challenging path of returning to professional tennis after giving birth to her daughter last year.
The Japanese star, who is currently ranked No. 90 in the world, resumed competitive play at the start of this year following her maternity leave.
Despite her determination, Osaka is still adjusting to the demands of the sport she has loved since childhood.
As she prepares for the upcoming US Open, Osaka candidly shared her struggles on Instagram, revealing that her biggest challenge is not the losses but the unfamiliarity she now feels on the court.
“I don’t feel like I’m in my body,” she wrote,
Expressing frustration with missing shots she once made effortlessly and hitting balls softer than she remembers.
The 26-year-old described the mental toll this adjustment has taken, saying, “It’s really draining… Internally I hear myself screaming, ‘What the hell is happening?!?!’”
Since her return, Osaka has shown glimpses of her former brilliance, reaching the quarterfinals of the Qatar Open and the fourth round of the Italian Open.
However, she has yet to advance beyond the second round of a Grand Slam this year.
with losses at Wimbledon and the French Open.
Osaka likened her current feelings to the postpartum experience, a comparison that both challenges and frightens her.
“The tennis racquet should feel like an extension of my hand,” she lamented.
Struggling to understand why the game feels almost brand new to her.
However, in her recent reflections, she has begun to give herself the grace to adjust.
Recognizing that this process may take time.
Despite the challenges, Osaka remains committed to doing her best with the time she has.
She is motivated by her desire to set an example for her daughter.
Showing her that hard work and perseverance can lead to great achievements.
Naomi Osaka is currently preparing for the US Open, a tournament she has won twice.
The tournament begins on August 26.
