Naomi Osaka enjoyed a comeback year in tennis after taking a hiatus from sports in 2023 and has discussed her most satisfying moment, which came after receiving a bizarre marriage proposal from a fan.
Osaka made a fast start to this season, reaching the final of the Auckland Open and the third round of the Australian Open, her deepest run in three years. However, Osaka’s big breakout came during the North American hard-court swing, as she finished as runner-up in Cincinnati before reaching the semifinals of the US Open.
The former World No. 1 admitted in New York that she appreciated tennis more than ever, after rediscovering her love for competing. During a Q&A session on Instagram in December, Osaka revealed her most satisfying moment of the year, while also responding to a potential engagement.
A fan asked Osaka on Instagram: “As you reflect on the past year, what was your most satisfying achievement?” The four-time Grand Slam champion replied: “No achievement sticks out, but I’m proud that I didn’t give up on myself.”
Osaka reached World No. 1 in 2019, after ending the previous year with her first US Open title, before winning the Australian Open to kickstart the new season. Osaka’s last Grand Slam victory was in Melbourne, but she has remained winless since the 2021 Australian Open.
Since then, Osaka has taken breaks from tennis due to mental health reasons and also to give birth to her daughter, Shai. Osaka is no longer with the father of her child, a rapper who goes by the name Cordae.
Osaka and Cordae broke up in January, and one fan attempted to propose during an Instagram session. While Osaka let them down gently, she made it clear that their request was denied.
“I’m confused by questions like this because you don’t know me,” Osaka responded. She then added, “Insane commitment from your end.”
Osaka is now a single mother, though she continues to co-parent Shai with her ex-boyfriend. Osaka was asked about motherhood during the Q&A, as she balances her professional tennis career with raising a child.
“I’m not going to lie to you, I also struggled tremendously,” wrote Osaka. “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.
“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.”
AloJapan.com