“It forced me to see life in a different way,” Naomi Osaka reveals her new look at life shaped by her experience as Shai’s mother

Naomi Osaka is gearing up for the French Open for the first time since she became a mother.

“It forced me to see life in a different way,” Naomi Osaka reveals her new look at life shaped by her experience as Shai’s mother

Naomi Osaka (Via Imago)

In a recent interview, Naomi Osaka revealed some of the major changes in her life after becoming a mother. Osaka was off from tennis for more than a year due to mental health as well as pregnancy reasons. 

She gave birth to her daughter Shai in July 2023 and was soon itching to get back on the tennis court. At the start of 2024, Osaka had made her return to the sport. Even though she was not the same person who left, the Japanese pro has been improving constantly to get to her old form. 

YouTube video
It forced me to see life in a different way. I know a lot of people probably think I retired in that year but it just made me a lot more grateful for the sport and, in turn, made me just know there are so many possibilities outside tennis and I realized I would still love to play tennis.
said Naomi Osaka via Guardian

Not only did she regain her love for the sport, but also made a few changes. Despite the long matches, Osaka has made it a habit to journal everything. She carries a book and a pen and starts writing during the changeover. 

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Naomi Osaka misses her daughter Shai as the toddler is growing up fast

As a new parent, there is always the fear of missing out on your child’s firsts. Novak Djokovic has always complained of missing his children a lot, especially when they are growing at a rapid pace. Even Naomi Osaka echoed the same as she choked back a tear while talking about her daughter. 

Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka (Via Imago)
In Australia, it was really sad for me, but for some reason this time. I’m seeing her growing up before my very eyes and I just want to reach out through the phone and hug her.
added Naomi Osaka in her interview

Osaka, who is usually not very good on clay, had the motivation to improve herself and soon made a decent run at the latest Italian Open. She beat a few top in-form players before losing in the Round of 16. Now, the Japanese pro is set to play at the French Open and will hope to get experience on the field before the Paris Olympics.

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