As one of the most striking tennis players in the history of the sport, Naomi Osaka is a transformative figure not only for her remarkable achievements on the court, but also for her candid discussions about mental health. As a four-time Grand Slam champion, Osaka has shattered barriers as the first Asian player to hold the top ranking in singles. Her powerful playing style has earned her acclaim and a global fanbase. You would think that someone so accomplished would walk through life with no worry or emotional struggle, though that’s certainly not the case.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Osaka has been lauded for her openness about the mental health challenges she suffers through. Many found her decision to withdraw from the 2021 French Open and step away from the sport in order to tend to her inner well-being puzzling. However, Osaka prioritizing her mental health has sparked important conversations about the pressures athletes face and the importance of self-care. Here’s a deeper dive.
What Happened at the French Open?
Conversations surrounding Osaka’s mental health resurfaced following her emotional response to a recent loss. On May 26, 2025, Naomi Osaka faced a challenging first-round match at the French Open against Spain’s Paula Badosa. Despite a strong start, Osaka ultimately lost. The match was marked by 54 unforced errors and five double faults from Osaka, compounded by hand blisters caused by the clay surface.
The defeat was no easy failure for Osaka, who became visibly upset during the post-match press conference. She expressed feelings of disappointment and concern about letting down her coach and supporters. She spoke through tears as she processed the heaviness of the defeat, a tough moment for fans to witness.
Naomi Osaka’s Mental Health Struggles
Naomi Osaka has been open about her mental health journey. She openly revealed that she has experienced long bouts of depression since her big victory at the 2018 US Open. When she withdrew from the French Open to focus on her mental well-being, there was immediate global attention shed on the mental health challenges faced by athletes.
Osaka has emphasized the importance of speaking openly about mental health, penning an open letter titled “It’s O.K. To Not Be O.K.” for Time Magazine. Her transparency has helped destigmatize mental health issues in sports, encouraging other athletes to prioritize their well-being, too.
After taking a beat from tennis to seek therapy, Osaka returned to the sport with hunger and focus. However, her recent loss at the French Open highlights the ongoing challenges she faces in balancing professional demands with personal well-being.
Naomi Osaka Postpartum
When speaking to Osaka’s mental health, it’s important to mention her journey through postpartum. As any mother knows, this can have a big impact on your emotional and hormonal stability. Osaka became a mother in July 2023 with the birth of her daughter, Shai. While she described the experience as “so fulfilling,” she also acknowledged the difficulties of balancing her tennis career with being a new mom. Osaka admitted that the transition was “tough,” emphasizing the importance of a strong support system and that “it takes a village.”
Returning to the tennis court postpartum presented its own set of challenges, particularly relating to body image. Osaka spoke that truth that many new moms struggle with, which is that the pressure to “snap back” after childbirth made her feel “ashamed” of her body. She shared that wearing form-fitting tennis clothes was particularly difficult, shining light on the incomprehensible societal expectations placed on women to quickly return to their pre-pregnancy bodies.
Beyond the physical challenges, Osaka also faced emotional hurdles upon returning to the sport. After a loss at the Cincinnati Open, she likened her on-court struggles to her postpartum experiences, expressing feelings of disconnection from her body and her game. She spoke to the mental toll of managing expectations versus her current performance. And though she still met her athletic duty with perseverance and dedication, it didn’t change the fact that she was struggling through it.
Osaka’s openness about her postpartum journey has resonated with many, shedding light on the mental and emotional challenges new mothers face, especially those still juggling careers. Her ability to be candid contributes to a broader conversation about the importance of supporting women through the physical and emotional transitions of motherhood.
Naomi Osaka’s Net Worth
Being one of the most successful tennis stars won’t always guarantee you peace of mind. It can, however, guarantee you an impressive net worth. As of 2025, Naomi Osaka’s net worth is estimated to be approximately $45 million. This substantial wealth at such a young age stems from her successful tennis career, lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Louis Vuitton, and various business ventures, including her skin care brand Kinlò.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Naomi Osaka’s diagnosis? Though she has spoken to feeling a lot of anxiety, Osaka has only specific experiencing depressive episodes.
Who is the father of Naomi Osaka’s baby? The father of Naomi Osaka’s daughter Shai is rapper, Cordae.
How old is Naomi Osaka? Born October 16th, 1997, Naomi Osaka is 27 years old.