By Flinster Austin
Published on 2024-01-17 10:11:56
Naomi Osaka expressed mixed emotions on Wednesday as she reflected on her early exit from the Australian Open. Despite feeling disappointed with her result, the Japanese tennis star was looking forward to heading home to see her new baby, Shai, reach a significant milestone.
Having won four Grand Slam titles, including two at the Australian Open, Osaka took a break from tennis in September 2022 due to mental health concerns. After giving birth to her daughter in July, she made a comeback for the 2024 season but faced an unexpected roadblock during the opening Grand Slam tournament of the year.
Reflecting on her performance, Osaka acknowledged her high personal standards and the challenge of returning to professional tennis after giving birth. She admitted that while she was disappointed with the outcome, she tried to remind herself that it was unrealistic to expect exceptional results soon after pregnancy.
The 26-year-old was defeated by French 16th seed Caroline Gracia during the tournament, but she mentioned that her perspective on defeat had evolved over time. Becoming a mother had helped her prioritize and understand the value of time, which, in turn, had influenced her approach to dealing with setbacks.
Despite not traveling with her baby, Shai, Osaka’s early elimination from the Australian Open allowed her to return home sooner than anticipated. While she was sad to leave Melbourne early, she expressed joy at being able to witness her daughter’s first crawl.
In summary, Osaka described her feelings as “bittersweet,” as she lamented her departure from the tournament while also being excited to see her daughter’s milestone. She recognized the need to move forward and continue progressing in her career while also embracing the experience of motherhood.
