Naomi Osaka Opens Up About Struggles with Postpartum Depression

Tennis star Naomi Osaka has candidly shared her battle with severe postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter in July 2023. In a clip from her upcoming documentary, Naomi Osaka: The Second Set, the 27-year-old athlete revealed her emotional struggles, stating, “Honestly, I also had extremely bad postpartum, and I didn’t know how to deal with it that well.” Her openness about mental health challenges has resonated widely, particularly among new mothers.

Osaka welcomed her daughter, Shai, with her former partner, rapper Cordae. Reflecting on her feelings during this period, Osaka described herself as “a shell of myself at all moments of the day.” She contrasted her experience with the vibrant lives of others, saying, “It felt like everyone else had moved on, and they were living in color. Meanwhile, my world was stuck in gray.” This stark comparison highlights the profound impact of postpartum depression, an issue that often remains unaddressed.

Return to Tennis and Ongoing Advocacy

Despite her struggles, Osaka returned to competitive tennis just five months after giving birth. She had initially believed that motherhood would mean stepping away from the sport. “I was one of those people that thought when I had a kid I would stop playing tennis,” she explained in the documentary. Her return to the WTA Tour demonstrates her resilience and commitment to her career, as well as her desire to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health.

Osaka has a history of advocating for mental health awareness. In 2021, she took a break from tennis to focus on her well-being, a move that sparked significant conversations about the pressures faced by athletes. Her transparency about her mental health journey serves as an inspiration to many, particularly women navigating similar challenges.

She is set to compete in the first round of the U.S. Open on August 29, 2023. This tournament holds special significance for Osaka, as she famously defeated Serena Williams there in 2018 to win her first major title. As she steps onto the court, fans and supporters will not only be watching for her athletic prowess but also rooting for her continued journey of healing and empowerment.

Osaka’s willingness to discuss her experiences with postpartum depression contributes to a growing dialogue about mental health, particularly among high-profile athletes. Her story emphasizes the importance of support systems and the need for greater understanding of mental health issues in society.