Naomi Osaka Opens Up About Postpartum Depression Struggles

Naomi Osaka is candidly discussing her battle with postpartum depression after the birth of her daughter, Shai, in July 2023. In a clip from the upcoming documentary, Naomi Osaka: The Second Set, the 27-year-old tennis star revealed, “Honestly, I also had extremely bad postpartum, and I didn’t know how to deal with it that well.”

Osaka described her emotional state during this challenging period, stating, “I felt like a shell of myself at all moments of the day. It felt like everyone else had moved on, and they were living in color. Meanwhile, my world was stuck in gray.” These heartfelt reflections highlight the profound impact of motherhood on her mental health.

The four-time Grand Slam champion welcomed her daughter with her ex-boyfriend, the rapper Cordae. Prior to giving birth, Osaka had anticipated that motherhood would mark a pause in her tennis career. “I was one of those people that thought when I had a kid I would stop playing tennis,” she admitted.

Despite these struggles, Osaka made a remarkable return to the WTA Tour just five months after Shai’s arrival. Her resilience has been evident throughout her career, particularly during her previous hiatus from tennis in 2021, when she prioritized her mental health.

As she prepares to compete in the first round of the U.S. Open on Tuesday, Osaka’s journey is underscored by a significant moment in her career when she achieved a stunning upset against Serena Williams in 2018 to secure her first major title.

Osaka’s openness about her mental health challenges is part of a broader conversation surrounding the pressures faced by athletes, especially in high-stakes environments. By sharing her experience, she not only highlights the realities of postpartum struggles but also encourages others to address their mental health openly.

As the world watches her compete, Osaka’s narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, particularly for new mothers navigating similar challenges.