Naomi Osaka has candidly shared her experience with postpartum hair loss, offering a personal glimpse into her recovery while competing at the Japan Open. In a TikTok video titled “For My Hair Girlies Only,” the four-time Grand Slam champion spoke about the changes she’s faced since giving birth to her daughter Shai in July 2023.
“I’ve been really struggling with my hair for like the past two years. Like, during pregnancy and after pregnancy I lost my edges and stuff,” Osaka said, laughing. “They’re back now. Well, kind of. Kind of! Don’t look too closely.”
She explained that frequent dyeing and styling led her to cut her hair, but she now feels more confident in its regrowth. “I think it’s back now,” she added with a smile.
Fans respond with support and advice
Osaka’s followers flooded the comments with encouragement and praise. Many complimented her curls and offered gentle styling tips. One user wrote, “Those are literally hair goals girlie,” while another added, “It’s definitely back! …It looks fuller and healthier for sure.”
Others reminded her to be cautious with tight hairstyles, noting the importance of protecting edges during recovery.
Balancing motherhood and elite competition
Osaka’s openness about her hair journey is part of a broader conversation she’s led around postpartum recovery and body image. After stepping away from tennis in late 2022, she returned to training just two weeks after giving birth and has since spoken about the pressure to “snap back.”
Her return to competition has been marked by impressive results. She reached the final of the WTA 1000 event in Montreal, finishing runner-up to Victoria Mboko, and made a semifinal run at the US Open, defeating Coco Gauff along the way.
Osaka shines at home in Japan
Currently competing at the Kinoshita Group Japan Open, a WTA 250 event in her birth city of Osaka, she is the top seed and opened with a commanding 6-0, 6-4 win over Japanese wild card Wakana Sonobe. She will face Suzan Lamens next for a spot in the quarterfinals.
Between matches, Osaka has been enjoying her time in Japan, including a visit to Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios. On Instagram, she joked, “p.s. I can beat everyone in Mario Kart. Yes that includes you.”
Her journey—both personal and professional—continues to resonate with fans around the world, blending vulnerability, strength, and joy as she reclaims her place on and off the court.
@naomiosaka Hair journey update in Osaka ☺️
WTA Osaka - Naomi Osaka's projected path
Osaka in Osaka, ranking, and results in 2025
Ranked no.16, the Japanese has a composed 34-15 record in 2025. Naomi is playing in Osaka where she ousted the world no.266 Wakana Sonobe 6-0 6-4.
Naomi Osaka will play the world no.57 Suzan Lamens in the 2nd round on Wednesday at 2:00 pm on CENTER. Their actual head to head record is 1-0 for Osaka.
The Japanese has won 1 title in 2025 in the Malo. Naomi was the runner-up in Auckland (ASB Classic) and in Montreal (Omnium Banque Nationale).
Naomi won 7 titles in her career: all of them conquered on hard courts. (See the list of her titles)