Naomi Osaka has admitted to feeling ‘lonely’ during her pregnancy while likewise confirming that she would compete at next year’s Australian Open I Watch the final Grand Ram of the year in New York – live on Sky Sports Tennis
Naomi Osaka says she “felt lonely” during her pregnancy after confirming a return to Grand Hammer action at next year’s Australian Open.
The four-time Grand Hammer champion brought forth her first child, daughter Shai, in July, but has proactively resumed training with an eye on next year.
Osaka, 25, who has been open about her struggles with mental health, was at the US Open to talk on a board alongside former Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps. She likewise took time to watch some of the action at Flushing Meadows.
“For me coming back here, it means a lot. This room, in particular. There were some tears shed. A lot,” Osaka, who won two of her Grand Hammer titles at Flushing Meadows, said in the tournament’s main interview room. “I feel a lot of bliss coming back here. It’s kind of like seeing a close buddy I haven’t found in quite a while.”
Osaka uncovered her issues with depression and anxiety when she withdrew from the French Open in 2021.
She later took extended parts from the game to protect her mental health, and discussing her latest time away, she said: “I really raised my adoration for the sport and it caused me to realize I’m not going to play for eternity. I need to embrace the times. I’ve been playing tennis since I was three.
“I don’t think I can predict what I’ll do – I always am unable to do that – but it definitely caused me to appreciate a lot of things that I took for granted.”Osaka likewise talked about how she “felt lonely” during her pregnancy, while Phelps talked about a “breaking point” almost 10 years prior, “where I didn’t want to be alive”.
“I literally didn’t talk about anything I was going through with my own family for quite some time and then it just – I was a volcano that erupted,” he said. “Instead of talking about it, I just let it build.”
The former world No 1, said she consented to the bigger workload next year since she is uncertain the way that she will fair when she returns and wants to guarantee she gets sufficient playing time as she moves herself back onto the tour.
“At least I’m going to set myself up for a generally excellent year’s end,” she said. “I’ve been watching matches and I’m like, I wish I was playing too.
“But I’m in this position now and I’m exceptionally grateful. I really love my daughter a lot, but it has really filled a fire in me.”
