Watching 4-time GS champion Naomi Osaka command the court is thrilling, but behind the brilliance lies a deeper battle! In 2021, Osaka made headlines after skipping post-match interviews at the Roland-Garros, earning a $15,000 fine. Reason? Protecting her mental health. “I would never trivialize mental health or use the term lightly,” she said, spotlighting an issue many athletes face in silence. The pressure, the scrutiny, the relentless questioning, it weighs heavily, especially for overthinkers. Now, as Osaka’s recent performances waver, she has again opened up about mental health, striking a chord across the sport. So, what did she say this time?

Naomi Osaka’s 2025 season started with promise, as she reached her first career final in nearly 3 years at the ASB Classic in Auckland. However, injury forced her to retire during the final, a setback that continued at the AO, where she withdrew from her third-round match. 

Since Melbourne, the four-time GS champion has suffered two first-round exits in her next three events. After another tough loss against Lucia Bronzetti in the first round of the Madrid Open, Osaka took to social media to share a heartfelt message for the other overthinkers, earning a nod of appreciation from ATP and WTA stars.

A while back, the former World No. 1  took to IG to share a heartfelt message, writing, To all my ppl who sometimes get caught up in the shackles of their brain. ILY ❤️. To my fellow overachievers, overthinkers, and over analyzers – You’re allowed to live in the moment. Life is so insanely short, and I know it doesn’t happen often, but I want you to take a second to breathe.”

Continuing further, the Japanese ace added, “One day you’re going to look back and laugh at how insignificant your past worries were and you’re going to realize how amazing it is that those very worries, (seemingly so major at the time), have challenged you and allowed you the opportunity to grow as a person. I hope you take a good look at your surroundings and smile today. You’ve made it so far, and I’m excited to see how much further you’ll go.” Osaka later shared the post in her own Instagram story.

Not only did Osaka’s heartfelt post resonate with fans, but it also drew support from her fellow players. WTA star Ons Jabeur reacted with three red heart emojis, while ATP ace Chris Eubanks responded with “🎯🙌🏾” and even shared Osaka’s story on his own IG story, showing his admiration.

Even last month, Osaka faced a tough moment at the Miami Open, crashing out after a hard-fought three-set battle against Italy’s Jasmine Paolini. Despite the setback, she remained positive and resilient, turning to IG to share her gratitude and determination to bounce back stronger.

Osaka posted a series of touching photos and videos, capturing highlights from her Miami journey. Alongside the visuals, she penned an emotional message to her fans, emphasizing her focus on growth and resilience. “Miami, I love you so much, thank you for the energy and the memories, I’ll be back sooner than you think,” she wrote.

Now, following her early exit at the Madrid Open, Osaka is once again showing her strength, sharing valuable insights for the other overthinkers and preparing herself to reset and refocus for her next battle.

“I refuse to be sad,” Naomi Osaka is ready to bounce back after the Madrid disaster

Naomi Osaka is staying positive after her first-round heartbreak at the Mutua Madrid Open, where she fell to Lucia Bronzetti in three sets. Playing her first clay-court match of the season, Osaka fought hard but ultimately lost 6-4, 2-6, 6-4. Still adjusting after a 15-month break for maternity leave and prioritizing mental health over anything else, the former World No. 1 had trained extensively to prepare for the clay season. After the match, Osaka shared a heartfelt post on social media, offering fans an honest glimpse into her mindset following the tough defeat.

“I wouldn’t wish what goes on in my brain to my worst enemy. Trust the process, but the process isn’t trusting me wtf,” she wrote on her Threads account. And a day later, she explained, “Ok, I’m done with my crashout. I refuse to be sad, I rebuke it.”

By the time the 26-year-old accessed Instagram, her spirits had improved considerably. She posted a series of selfies to convey her triumph over setbacks. “I lowkey have short-term memory loss, so I don’t stay discouraged for long. We woke up this morning, we’re blessed, we’re healthy, and we’re happy,” Osaka added.

All seven career titles of Osaka, including her four GS and two WTA 1000 trophies, have come on hard courts. With the WTA 125 Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome starting on May 6, Osaka has a golden opportunity to build momentum ahead of Roland Garros. Are you backing her to turn her 2025 season around? Share your thoughts in the comments below.