Former US Open champion Naomi Osaka is rightfully following in the footsteps of her icon, Serena Williams. Despite facing setbacks in her professional career after childbirth, the WTA star is determined not to quit. She is working tirelessly to build her confidence and return victorious next season. Osaka’s new-found spirit and attitude have sparked interest among tennis analysts, highlighting why she is so dedicated to finding her rhythm.

Osaka’s recent attitude has left her followers with a surprising impression of their favorite player. The Japanese WTA star returned to the tour at Australian Open after a 15-month maternity break. However, her return was disappointing, as she suffered a defeat in the first round. Despite Osaka’s struggles, her spirit and hard work paid off when she climbed to WTA rank 60 after being unranked. Her recent social media appearances highlight her transformation, showing her newfound confidence. Now, tennis analysts explain the reason for her motivation not to give up easily.

In a recent episode of The AO Show podcast, GIG analysts Simon Rea, Levi Huddleston, Casey Dellacqua, and Brie discussed Osaka’s determination to make a powerful return next season. Reflecting on the WTA star’s journey, Brie remarked, “What would have made some of us think about Naomi Osaka, given the heights she has reached in the game, to see her unranked and then climb back to rank 60? I think it’s a different kind of pressure for her to play. All of a sudden, you can use protective rankings and circumstances to get into some tournaments, but then you get caught trying to prove to yourself and the tennis world that you’re back. Perhaps this version of yourself is a new and improved version. She has clearly evolved in a different way. Previously, the term ‘vulnerability’ might have been used for her, but now she is Naomi in a different way.” Brie’s words emphasized the Japanese player’s determination to reclaim her old form, where she won four Grand Slam titles with her exceptional playstyle.

Interestingly, Osaka recently shared an excerpt from a book she has been writing. From a shy and introverted person to an independent athlete unafraid to share her childhood challenges, Osaka has come a long way. Discussing her writings on Threads, this WTA star revealed the source of her newfound confidence, assuring her followers of a great comeback next season.

Naomi Osaka feels “grateful” after waking up every day

Osaka shared some pictures of her recent writings on Thread that echoed how she embraced her shortcomings and challenges. Her excerpt revealed how she struggled because of comparison. Osaka confessed that she often compared her body with others and believed it wasn’t perfect because she was an athlete. “Comparison is the thief of joy. When I was a teenager I used to compare myself to other people a lot. Whether it was from being a stereotypical teenage girl and thinking my body wasn’t conventionally attractive because I’m an athlete, or comparing myself to other tennis players and thinking I’m behind.” However, she overcame this thought and returned stronger. “If felt like the more I preserved through rough times the more I began to appreciate myself and in that way started a strong comradeship between my body and my mind, I began to feel grateful every day when I woke up.” 

Naomi Osaka’s resilience is commendable. Despite her post-partum challenges, she didn’t give up but returned with more confidence. Her recent social media appearances highlight her new-found spirit hinting at the strong possibility that she might truly surprise her followers the next season with a great performance.