Naomi Osaka returns strong after giving birth to her first child - Photo: REUTERS
This is more than just another title in Naomi Osaka’s collection, it’s also a milestone marking the return of one of tennis’ most promising talents. Osaka has been on a journey from the top, to mental health issues, to the joy of motherhood. Now, Osaka has found the joy of victory once again.
Pressure and depression make Osaka lose herself
The Japanese tennis player shot to global stardom in 2018 when she defeated her idol Serena Williams in the US Open final to win her first Grand Slam. She continued to assert her position by winning the 2019 Australian Open, becoming the first Asian player to hold the world No. 1 ranking.
Osaka's career was halted due to mental health problems - Photo: AFP
The resounding and dizzying successes brought the 1997-born tennis player to the pinnacle of fame, but at the same time also put enormous pressure on her shoulders.
Few people know that it was during this period of euphoria that Osaka began a silent battle with mental health issues. She later revealed that she had struggled with depression since winning the 2018 US Open. The pressure of expectation, media scrutiny and the burden of being a global icon gradually eroded her joy in playing tennis.
The cracks really showed in 2021. Ahead of Roland Garros, Osaka announced she would not attend mandatory press conferences, citing mental health concerns.
The decision caused a media storm. After being fined and facing disqualification, she withdrew from the tournament, a shocking move that also sparked an important discussion about mental health in professional sport . Many colleagues and sponsors voiced their support, but the overall reaction from the tennis world was mixed.
Osaka's struggles continued. She missed Wimbledon that year to take some time for herself. At the 2021 US Open, in a third-round loss to Leylah Fernandez, Osaka lost control of her emotions, threw her racket and received a warning.
In a tearful post-match press conference, she admitted that winning no longer brought her happiness and announced that she would be taking an indefinite break from competition.
The break was long and challenging. At Indian Wells in 2022, a jeer from a spectator left Osaka in tears on court. But it was also a time for healing. Osaka sought therapy and learned to cope with the pressure.
Finding the joy of motherhood
In early 2023, Osaka received unexpected good news. She was pregnant with her first child with her boyfriend, rapper Cordae. She withdrew from the 2023 Australian Open and devoted all her time to preparing for motherhood.
In July 2023, she gave birth to a healthy baby girl. The new responsibility seemed to give Osaka a new energy, a new perspective on life and career. She vowed to come back stronger in 2024.
L'Open 35 de Saint-Malo title helps Osaka find joy in playing tennis again - Photo: X
True to her word, Osaka returned to professional play in early 2024. But the journey back was not easy as she suffered a series of early defeats and withdrew due to injury. However, fans could sense a change in Osaka's attitude - a calmer and more enjoyment of the game.
And then, the victory in Saint-Malo came as a sweet affirmation. Beating Kaja Juvan in the final, Osaka won her first WTA title since the 2021 Australian Open and, more importantly, her first after becoming a mother.
“It’s ironic to win my first trophy back on the surface I thought was my worst. That’s one of the things I love about life, there’s always room to grow and develop,” Osaka shared on social media.
This victory, although only at the WTA 125 level, has great significance for the Japanese tennis player. It not only shows that Osaka still has the qualities that once brought her to the top of the world with 4 Grand Slam titles. It also proves Osaka's strong will, overcoming adversity and finding joy in tennis again after tumultuous years.
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THANH DINH
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/naomi-osaka-su-tro-lai-phi-thuong-cua-nha-vo-dich-20250505093811869.htm
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