Naomi Osaka Opens Up About Body Struggles After Pregnancy

Naomi Osaka, the renowned women's tennis player, faced a setback in the qualifying round of the Cincinnati Open on Monday. However, the 26-year-old athlete revealed that her primary concern extends beyond her recent defeat. In a candid Instagram post, Osaka shared her struggles with physical issues reminiscent of postpartum experiences, stating, "My biggest issue currently isn’t losses though, my biggest issue is that I don’t feel like I’m in my body." Since the birth of her daughter, Shai, with rapper Cordae, Osaka has been on a challenging journey to regain her competitive edge. After a hiatus from the sport, she returned in January 2024 but suffered an early exit in the first round of the Australian Open against Caroline Garcia. Her performance has been inconsistent, with early eliminations in several tournaments, including the Tokyo Olympics and multiple Grand Slam events. Reflecting on her experiences, Osaka expressed a newfound appreciation for the process of improvement, despite the difficulties she faces. "I love the process (though the process doesn’t love me sometimes haha)," she wrote, emphasizing her commitment to hard work and perseverance. She aims to set an example for her daughter, teaching her the value of dedication and resilience. As she prepares for future competitions, Osaka remains optimistic, stating, "Nothing in life is promised but I realized that I can promise myself to work as hard as I can and give it my best shot till the very end." She concluded her message with a hopeful note, saying, "See you in New York."