Naomi Osaka has always been more than just a tennis champion. From breaking barriers as a four-time Grand Slam winner to using her platform to speak openly about mental health, she's never been afraid to redefine what success looks like. Now, she's doing it again, this time as a mother.
The 27-year-old star welcomed her daughter, Shai, in July 2023 with ex-boyfriend Cordae, and while many assumed her tennis career might take a back seat, Osaka had other plans. What could have marked the end of an era has instead become the beginning of a bold new chapter.
From Doubt to Determination
Osaka admits she once believed motherhood would mean the end of her professional career. But during pregnancy, she found herself feeling unexpectedly motivated. "I was one of those people that thought when I had a kid, I would stop playing tennis," she told PEOPLE at Tubi's private screening of The Second Set. She added, "But while I was pregnant, I was kind of very inspired. I also wanted my daughter to be able to see me play tennis."
That shift in perspective reshaped everything. Just one week after giving birth, Osaka laced up her sneakers and returned to training. While some criticized the move as too extreme, for her it was a natural extension of the discipline she's carried since she first picked up a racket at age three.
Balancing the Tour and Motherhood
Life on the WTA Tour isn't easy. It's a grueling calendar that spans continents, demanding both physical endurance and mental resilience. For Osaka, the toughest adjustment was being away from Shai. The Tubi documentary "The Second Set," directed by Kat Jayme, captures this emotional tug-of-war, pulling back the curtain on how Osaka navigates the highs of competition with the heartache of separation.
Thankfully, she's not doing it alone. Her mother, Tamaki Osaka, has been by her side, while FaceTime calls and quick reunions help bridge the distance with her daughter. She's also found strength in the wisdom of fellow moms who reached out with advice and encouragement.
Osaka rejects the word "comeback." For her, this career stage is about stepping into something new. "For me, what feels most different is my relationship with tennis and also my emotions going into it," she explained. "When I was younger, I'd put so much pressure on myself, and now I kind of see it as a joy and a privilege to play."
That sense of gratitude fuels her outlook today. She knows her time on the court is finite, but instead of fear, it brings her a deep appreciation for every match, every swing, every chance to write another chapter in her story.
Eyes on the US Open
Osaka is set to return to the US Open on August 24 in New York City, the same tournament where she claimed two of her four Grand Slam titles. This year, though, there's a twist: She may have a very special guest in the stands.
"For me, it would be a very full-circle moment," she said, imagining Shai watching her play in the same arena where she once lifted the trophy. "It would definitely mean a lot… I wouldn't see her while I'm playing, but I would feel her energy."
Naomi Osaka has already proven she can dominate the sport. Now, she's proving that motherhood doesn't end ambition; it can amplify it.