Naomi Osaka has emerged as a leading figure in the world of tennis. Although she spent much of 2023 off the court, her fighting spirit remains strong. With seven titles and four Grand Slam victories, she is gearing up for a powerful return. From 2018 to 2021, Osaka dominated the sport, claiming two US Open titles and two Australian Open titles, including a memorable win against Serena Williams. However, her journey took a pause after the birth of her daughter, Shai, in June 2023. Yet, motherhood has brought her immense joy.

Earlier this week, the Asian tennis star was featured on the Bazaar Magazine. Opening up about her hardships from dealing with mental health, Osaka revealed that one key factor that has pushed her is the presence of Shai in her life. She said, “Right now, freedom for me is being able to spend time with my daughter, to see joy in her eyes, and to know that, as long as I am there for her, and a role model for her, then no other outside voice matters.”

This year, Osaka faced setbacks due to a back injury at the China Open, which forced her to withdraw from subsequent tournaments. Since then, she has shared her recovery journey on social media. She is training hard for the 2025 season and has teamed up with Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Serena Williams. This brings hope that Naomi can regain her momentum on the court. But after a lengthy winless streak, she is at a crossroads regarding her passion for tennis.

Osaka now grapples with a new question: “In the end, I have found that after becoming a mum, my question has shifted to a really simple one, which is, win or lose, am I still really loving playing the game?” Balancing motherhood with the demands of being a top athlete is challenging. Osaka’s history of anxiety on tour adds another layer of complexity. In 2021, she made headlines when she announced her decision to skip mandatory media conferences for mental health reasons. After receiving a $15,000 fine for missing a press event, she ultimately withdrew from the French Open.

Now as she prepares for her comeback, only time will tell how Osaka’s journey will unfold. For now, she is focused on showcasing her talents in the upcoming season. In the meantime, she has confirmed her attendance at the ASB Classic 2025 and shared glimpses of her preseason training.

Naomi Osaka to compete at Auckland after seven years

Naomi Osaka is looking forward to a strong comeback in the 2025 season after a challenging year. She last played at the 2024 China Open, where she faced Coco Gauff in the Round of 16 but had to withdraw due to a back injury. Despite these setbacks, Osaka remains optimistic and has already outlined her plans for next year, including a highly anticipated return to Auckland, a tournament she hasn’t participated in since 2017.

In a recent Instagram Q&A, Osaka confirmed her participation in the ASB Classic in Auckland, expressing her excitement: “Actually I’m going to Auckland this/next year. I think I haven’t been there since 2017 so I’m excited to go back.” This enthusiasm has sparked hope among her fans that she will showcase her skills early in the season.

Osaka has also shared moments from her pre-season training on social media. In one video, she humorously noted, “I am making a video on how we survived the first day of preseason.” While for another post, she came up with a playful caption, “It’s giving ‘call the ambulance’ 🚑😭,” showcasing her light-hearted approach to the challenges ahead.

As she prepares for the new season, Osaka is not only focusing on her game but also exploring her creative side by writing a book. Recently, she revealed snippets from her upcoming work titled ‘Rumbling,’ where she reflects on her journey of self-acceptance. “Someone asked what the book is about and to be honest I don’t know how to classify it,” she shared. “I would say it’s about my life, observations I made, and lessons learned along the way.”

With these new ventures and a renewed focus on tennis, will Osaka shine in 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments below!