Naomi Osaka’s tennis journey has taken another meaningful turn. The four-time Grand Slam champion returns to her namesake city following one of her most impressive showings since becoming a mother. After reaching the US Open semifinals before falling to rising American star Amanda Anisimova in a grueling three-set battle, Osaka has found time to reconnect with her Japanese roots in the bustling metropolis that shares her name.
How Has Naomi Osaka Been Spending Her Time in Japan?
Osaka, 27, has been sharing glimpses of her visit to the bustling commercial hub that bears her name, delighting fans with snapshots across social media. The aesthetic images, ranging from cityscapes to cultural landmarks, captured her reconnecting with her roots while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Osaka, Japan.
The posts showcased Osaka exploring local culture, including a visit to a Japanese convenience store that resonated with fans worldwide. Her photos featured the tennis star in a striking maroon dress and a casual blue jacket, highlighting her effortless blend of athletic strength and personal style. The images sparked widespread admiration from fans, who particularly praised a bag featuring images of sushi, the iconic Japanese cuisine.
“Osaka + Osaka,” the Japanese star captioned the post, perfectly summarizing her homecoming. The trip serves as a well-deserved break for Osaka, who has been steadily building momentum since her return to competitive tennis. Her semifinal appearance at the US Open marked her deepest run at a major since becoming a mother, showcasing her gradual return to form and renewed confidence on the court.
With the Asian swing of the tennis calendar approaching, Osaka’s time recharging in familiar surroundings could prove valuable as she continues her resurgence on tour. The 2024-25 season has been pivotal for Osaka, who stepped away from tennis in the fall of 2022 following an opening-round exit at the US Open. She extended her break to announce her pregnancy in January 2023 and welcomed her daughter, Shai, in July 2023.
Beyond her fantastic semifinal result at the US Open, Osaka also reached the final of the Canadian Open, signaling a clear return to form. These performances have propelled the Japanese star to No. 14 in the PIF-WTA rankings, marking her highest position since January 2023 and representing a remarkable climb from the rankings she faced during her maternity leave.
Throughout the US Open, Osaka displayed flashes of the dominant game that once made her the most feared player on hard courts. Before reaching the semifinals, she advanced past Greet Minnen, Hailey Baptiste, and No. 13 seed Daria Kasatkina. Her most impressive victories came against two-time major champion Coco Gauff in the fourth round and Karolína Muchová in the quarterfinals, booking her most significant Grand Slam result since 2021.
Why Does Osaka Refuse to Be ‘Upset’ Despite Her US Open Defeat?
Despite her heartbreaking three-set loss to Anisimova, Osaka revealed she wasn’t particularly upset about the outcome. Her perspective on the defeat showed remarkable maturity and a forward-thinking approach to her career comeback.
“I don’t feel sad. It’s really weird, well, it’s not weird because I just feel that I did the best that I could,” Osaka said after her semifinal loss. “Honestly, it’s kind of inspiring for me because it makes me want to train and get better. Hopefully, I can give it my best shot again and see what happens.”
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The 27-year-old clarified she was more encouraged than disappointed by her result. “I think I can’t be mad and upset at myself. I’m happy I lost in the semifinal instead of the first round or the third round or whatever I usually get to,” she added. This optimistic outlook reflects her growth as a player and person since returning from her break.
Looking ahead, Osaka is expected to return to competition at the China Open, where she previously claimed the title. Her recent performances suggest she’s well-positioned to continue her upward trajectory as the tour moves to Asia, bringing her career full circle to where she’s enjoyed some of her greatest successes.
AloJapan.com