Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam tennis champion, recently shared her profound experience of motherhood and the challenges she faced during pregnancy, childbirth, and her hiatus from professional tennis. In a candid conversation, Osaka expressed her journey, revealing the emotional and physical hurdles she encountered before and after giving birth to her daughter, Shai.
Reflecting on her pregnancy, Osaka disclosed the anxieties she grappled with, including writing a will before the birth of her child, a task that made her uneasy, fearing the notion of acknowledging her mortality. She discussed the unspoken difficulties of pregnancy, such as morning sickness, weight gain, and feelings of loneliness, shedding light on the aspects often overlooked in discussions about childbirth.
Osaka’s revelation of testing positive for Group B streptococcus, a bacterial infection affecting millions of pregnant women annually, further highlighted the lesser-known risks during pregnancy. The tennis star’s concerns heightened as she learned about Tori Bowie’s tragic death, a U.S. Olympic track and field champion, experiencing complications during pregnancy.
Seeking guidance from fellow athletes like Allyson Felix and drawing attention to the higher maternal mortality rate among Black women, Osaka voiced the need for increased awareness and support for expecting mothers, emphasizing the crucial yet overlooked challenges they face.
Narrating her labor experience, Osaka candidly shared the intense pain and unexpected difficulties she encountered during childbirth. Despite feeling unprepared despite extensive reading and preparation, she eventually gave birth to her daughter, Shai, in early July.
The arrival of Shai marked a significant turning point in Osaka’s life, prompting immense changes and adjustments. Her dedication to motherhood and her renewed motivation have been noticed by those around her, citing her transformative journey into a more confident and determined individual.
Her hiatus from tennis, due in part to her mental health struggles, has provided Osaka with a time for reflection, leading her to advocate for mental health awareness and parental rights, particularly paid leave for new parents in the United States.
Now, as Osaka prepares to return to professional tennis, her determination to excel remains unwavering. With the support of her coach, Wim Fissette, she is striving to reclaim her position in the sport, balancing her aspirations with the newfound responsibilities of motherhood.
Osaka’s journey stands as a testament to her resilience, as she navigates the realms of tennis and motherhood, aiming not just for personal success on the court but also to serve as an inspiration for aspiring athletes and new parents alike. Her commitment to both her career and her role as a mother underscores the multifaceted nature of her journey and the strength, she embodies in embracing both aspects of her life.
Naomi Osaka in 2023
LWLWLWLLWL Now ranked no.661, Naomi played her last match on the 20th of September 2022 when she had to retire when playing against world no.204 Daria Gavrilova in the 1st round and the scoreline was 1-0 .
At present, during this year the Japanese has a composed 14-9 record.
Naomi Osaka |
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