Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and one of the most vocal athletes about mental health, is once again using her platform to spark vital conversations. In a candid interview with CNN, Osaka opened up about her personal struggles, reinforcing the need to treat mental well-being with the same importance as physical health.
Her journey—from stepping away from professional tennis to becoming a mother—has been one of self-discovery, resilience, and advocacy. Now back on the WTA Tour, the former World No. 1 is balancing the pressures of elite sports with her role as a mother while continuing to push for open discussions around mental health.
Breaking the Silence on Mental Health
Osaka has never shied away from discussing the challenges she has faced in her career. Her decision to withdraw from the 2021 French Open due to mental health concerns was a watershed moment, prompting wider discussions about the pressures athletes face. Since then, she has been at the forefront of breaking stigmas surrounding mental health in sports.
Speaking to CNN, Osaka reflected on her personal battles and the importance of fostering dialogue on mental well-being.
“I feel like it’s really important to speak about mental health, because at least for me, when I’m down, I usually feel like I’m alone and I’m the only person that feels in that specific way.”
She went on to emphasize the power of collective experiences, adding:
“But then you realize that there’s other people that feel the same, and you don’t feel so isolated anymore. So I think it’s important for people to keep talking about it, treat it more like physical health. I think people treat physical health a lot better than mental health.”
Osaka’s words highlight an ongoing issue in professional sports: while injuries are treated with care and rehabilitation, mental health struggles often go unaddressed. By continuing to speak openly, she is helping to shift the narrative and encourage others to seek help when needed.
A Journey Marked by Highs and Lows
Osaka’s tennis career has been anything but conventional. After winning her fourth Grand Slam title at the 2021 Australian Open, she stunned the sports world by stepping away from the game to focus on her mental well-being. Her decision, though met with mixed reactions, set a new precedent for athletes prioritizing mental health.
She briefly returned to the tour but took another hiatus due to pregnancy. Since her comeback in January 2024, Osaka has struggled with consistency due to injuries, yet she continues to show flashes of brilliance. Her runner-up finish at the Auckland Open and third-round appearance at the Australian Open this year were promising signs of her return to form. However, an abdominal strain has since disrupted her progress.
Despite the setbacks, Osaka remains determined, using her journey as an example of perseverance. As she works towards reclaiming her place among the world’s best, her focus on mental resilience remains as strong as ever.
Motherhood and the Lessons of Patience
Since welcoming her daughter, Shai, with rapper Cordae in July 2023, Osaka has experienced a transformation both personally and professionally. Motherhood, she says, has reshaped her mindset, making her more patient and adaptable—traits that extend to her career on the court.
“Becoming a mom, I’ve learned to become a lot more patient and sort of understand that I can’t control everything, but I can only do my best in certain situations and hope that the outcome is positive, but if not, then there’s always another day.”
Her journey as a mother-athlete challenges outdated notions that women must choose between their careers and motherhood. Instead, she is proving that success in both roles is not only possible but also empowering.
With the 2024 season in full swing, Osaka is set to test her skills against top-tier competition, including an exhibition match against current World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at the MGM Rewards Slam in Las Vegas on March 1. It will be an opportunity for her to gauge her progress and prepare for the rigorous challenges ahead.
A Champion for Mental Health and Beyond
Beyond the tennis court, Osaka’s advocacy for mental health continues to inspire millions. Her willingness to be vulnerable in a high-stakes industry has made her a trailblazer, influencing not just athletes but individuals worldwide.
By sharing her struggles and triumphs, she reinforces a crucial message: no one is alone in their battle with mental health. Whether through her return to tennis, her advocacy, or her role as a mother, Naomi Osaka continues to be a force of change, proving that strength is not just about winning titles—but also about embracing one’s truth.
As she steps back onto the court, one thing is certain—her journey is far from over. And with every match she plays, she reminds the world that mental health deserves the same spotlight as physical fitness.
I am a writer with a passion for technology and gaming. I write about a variety of subjects, including Esports, Games, Shows, and Sports. I create engaging and informative content for Hiptoro.