Naomi Osaka interrupted her maternity leave with a brief appearance at the US Open. On Wednesday, the four-time Grand Slam champion was among panelists on a forum, “Mental Health and Sport: Why It Matters.” Speaking to the media in New York, the Japanese WTA star talked about motherhood and her big tennis plans for the near future.
Former world No. 1 and new mom Naomi Osaka was back at the US Open on Wednesday to speak on a topic that’s close to her heart.
She also revealed that the competitive fire in her soul is still burning bright.
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2023
Wearing a yellow summer off-shoulder dress and introducing a new hairstyle with bangs and long subtle waves, Osaka showed up at the mental health forum that addressed topics such as changing social norms, mental toughness vs. mental wellness, social media and its impact on mental well-being, etc.
Walking through the little players’ tunnel further fueled Osaka’s burning desire to return to competition. The 25-year-old revealed that she will play way more tournaments than before and the Australian Open is definitely on her schedule. Melbourne will be full of WTA moms building their comebacks, as Naomi joins Caroline Wozniacki, Elina Svitolina, and most recently Angelique Kerber.
The former world No.1 Osaka, who gave birth to her first child in July, says that motherhood is treating her well and that she’s enjoying every bit of that role:
It’s definitely a weird feeling knowing that someone relies on me. I still call my mom all the time, and knowing that this little person is going to grow up and do the same … I’m excited for it.
Explaining why she and her longtime boyfriend, rapper Cordae, chose the name Shai for their daughter, Osaka said that it means “God’s gift” and added:
That’s how I wanted her to feel, like she’s God’s gift to me and her dad.
(source: US Open)
