Naomi Osaka, perhaps has lost a match at a Grand Slam that would have left her too devastated to take on the world. But the former world number one has a different view of setbacks after conquering her mental health problems, stepping back from tennis and embracing motherhood. Even after her 7-5, 6-3 fourth-round loss to top seed Aryna Sabalenka at the French Open, Osaka departed Roland Garros feeling encouraged — not disheartened.
Key Takeaways from Osaka’s French Open Campaign
- Fourth round of French Open for first time
- Made an impressive stride on clay, a surface that’s always been tough for her.
- Focused on personal growth and family rather than rankings and results.
- Expressed excitement about returning home to spend time with her daughter.
Motherhood and Mental Growth Change Osaka’s Outlook
Osaka said motherhood had given her perspective on tennis, and that winning or losing was not the most important thing to her life any more. Having begun to talk openly about her issues with depression and anxiety back in 2021, she has formed a better relationship with the sport. But she also said that her match against Sabalenka will be on at night, and said more women’s matches deserve to be in prime-time.
Looking Ahead
- Osaka still feels good about her fitness and recent form.
- The grass-court season is coming up, and she’s hoping to build off of her clay-court progress.
- The Japanese star insists the main focus is continuing to give her all, whatever happens.