Osaka Struggles with Postpartum Recovery, Questions Future in Tennis

Former world number one tennis star Naomi Osaka has opened up about the physical and mental challenges she has faced since giving birth to her first child over a year ago, expressing concern and uncertainty about her future in the sport.

Naomi Osaka, the 26-year-old Japanese tennis sensation, has been candid about her struggles with postpartum recovery, describing her current state as akin to being "postpartum." In an Instagram post on Tuesday, Osaka shared her concerns and frustrations with her followers, revealing that she feels disconnected from her body and her tennis prowess.

"My biggest issue currently isn't losses though, my biggest issue is that I don't feel like I'm in my body," Osaka wrote. "The only feeling I could liken myself now to being postpartum. That scares me because I've been playing tennis since I was three, the tennis racket should feel like an extension of my hand. I don't understand why everything has to feel almost brand new again."

Osaka Struggles with Postpartum Recovery, Questions Future in Tennis

Osaka gave birth to her first child, a daughter named Shai, in July 2022 with her boyfriend, rapper Cordae. She returned to tennis in January 2023 but has since struggled to regain her pre-pregnancy form, losing in the early rounds of several major tournaments, including the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon.

"It's a strange feeling, missing balls I shouldn't miss, hitting balls softer than I remember I used to. I try to tell myself, 'It's fine you're doing great. Just get through this one and keep pushing,' mentally it's really draining though. Internally, I hear myself screaming 'what the hell is happening?!?'" she wrote on Instagram.

Osaka Struggles with Postpartum Recovery, Questions Future in Tennis

Prior to her pregnancy, Osaka had won four Grand Slam titles: the US Open in 2018 and 2020, and the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021. She also reached the world number one ranking in January 2019. However, since her return, she has faced consistent challenges, withdrawing from the 2021 French Open due to mental health concerns and struggling in subsequent tournaments.

"During this time, I've wondered what do I want out of this whole experience and I realized something, I love the process (though the process doesn't love me sometimes haha), putting in work everyday and eventually having the opportunity to get to where you want to be," Osaka wrote.

Osaka Struggles with Postpartum Recovery, Questions Future in Tennis

"I know life isn't guaranteed so I want to do the best that I can with the time that I have, I want to teach my daughter that she can achieve so many things with hard work and perseverance. I want her to aim for the stars and never think her dreams are too big."

Despite her current struggles, Osaka remains committed to competing and plans to participate in the 2023 US Open later this month. "Nothing in life is promised but I realized that I can promise myself to work as hard as I can and give it my best shot till the very end," she wrote. "See you in New York."

Osaka Struggles with Postpartum Recovery, Questions Future in Tennis

Osaka's transparency regarding her postpartum journey has resonated with many women, highlighting the challenges and adjustments that can accompany motherhood. It remains to be seen whether she will be able to regain her former dominance on the court, but her resilience and determination are undeniable.