Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1, is once again confronting mental health challenges as she navigates her return to competitive tennis following a maternity break. After an early exit from the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, Osaka took to her Threads account to express the emotional turmoil she’s currently grappling with, writing: “Trust the process but the process isn’t trusting me wtf. I wouldn’t wish what goes on in my brain to my worst enemy.”
These candid words offered fans a rare, raw glimpse into the mental strain Osaka has been enduring since her comeback. Though she has been slowly finding her rhythm on the tour, her struggles with consistency and confidence have been visible, especially on clay—traditionally her most challenging surface. The mounting pressure of expectations, paired with the demands of elite-level tennis and adjusting to life as a new mother, appear to be weighing heavily on the 26-year-old star.
Naomi Osaka (JPN) in a women’s tennis singles match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade Roland Garros. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn ImagesAmber Searls-Imagn Images
Despite her internal battles, Osaka continues to draw strength from a loyal and supportive fanbase. After her initial posts, social media was flooded with encouraging messages. Fans on X (formerly Twitter) and Threads rallied behind her with words like, “You will get there Naomi, upwards and onwards,” and “Don’t give up, you will break through soon.” Many reminded her of the brilliance she has previously displayed, even on clay, urging her to tap into her glorious past.
Osaka later returned to Threads with a more composed tone, writing: “Ok I’m done with my crashout. I refuse to be sad ✋🏾 I rebuke it.” This post suggested a shift in mindset, a moment of self-reassurance amidst the storm.
Naomi Osaka (JPN) celebrates after her match against Jelena Ostapenko in a women’s singles match on day two of the 2024 U.S. Open tennis tournament.Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Naomi Osaka’s ongoing battle underscores the complexities athletes face behind the spotlight, especially in today’s tough pressures and expectations. As she continues her comeback, her openness about mental health remains not only courageous but also critical in fostering broader conversations around the emotional toll of high-performance sport.
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Andy Roddick, the American icon, hosted Mardy Fish on his latest episode of the podcast- Served With Andy Roddick, and dived into the intricacies of mental health in a top athlete’s life. Mardy Fish was one of the first tennis players to openly and boldly talk about the mental health issues of a sports star, building a pathway and encouraging players like Naomi Osaka to openly talk about these issues.
It remains to be seen what the rest of the 2025 season has in store for Naomi Osaka.
AloJapan.com