World No. 16 Naomi Osaka has recently shared her thoughts on the emotional challenges and changes that come with becoming a parent. The Japanese star, who shares a daughter, Shai, with her ex-partner, rapper Cordae, also highlighted her struggles while encouraging parents to enjoy their roles and time with their children as the growing-up stage passes quickly.
Naomi Osaka Narrates Early Struggles as a Mother
During a recent question-and-answer session, which Osaka headlined through her Instagram stories, one of the questions a fan asked her was, “I’m a new mom and struggling with this new role/identity shift. What helped you get through?”
Osaka replied, highlighting her struggles, honest opinions, and how she had overcome the challenges that came with becoming a mother.
“I’m not going to lie to you I also struggled tremendously, your life changes overnight. I think for me I journaled a lot to keep track of how I felt, I was also lucky because I could play tennis and being on the court was a place of comfort for me,” the Japanese said.
Screenshots of Naomi Osaka’s Instagram stories | Source: IG/naomiosaka
The winner of seven singles WTA titles reflected on the significant role of tennis, which allowed her to feel a sense of normalcy and a way to cope amid the sudden changes in her personal and professional life. Apart from this, she also shared that chronicling her emotions also helped her.
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She continued advising the new parents that despite struggles, they should also relish the time and their new roles with their kids as they grow up quickly: “I would suggest you make time to do things that make you happy and also enjoy your new role because I promise you the time is going to go so quick and before you know it your baby is going to be talking back to you with sass😭.”
In July 2023, Osaka welcomed her daughter, Shai, with her former partner, Cordae Amari Brooks, a talented rapper specializing in hip-hop and trap from Raleigh, North Carolina.
Naomi Osaka Uplifts All Moms and Shares How Motherhood Elevated Her Game
The WTA star had shed light on multiple aspects of her life, balancing her personal and professional career after becoming a mother, through Tubi’s sports documentary, “Naomi Osaka: The Second Set,” which was released in Aug. 2025.
Through the documentary’s trailer, Osaka shared, “I’m a tennis player, but I’m more than just an athlete. I always wanted to be a mom. I have multiple identities. My return to the sport is a love letter for moms. Some people say she ended my career, but for me, it feels like she started my career. Nothing is ever over, and you’re never out of the game.” After her pregnancy, Osaka returned to the court at the 2024 Brisbane International.
AloJapan.com