Naomi Osaka Returns to Tennis After Personal Breaks

Naomi Osaka, the former world No. 1 tennis player, is set to return to competitive play against three-time major champion Angelique Kerber at the Tokyo Olympics, a significant event for the athlete who has taken time off for mental health reasons and motherhood. Osaka, who lit the Olympic cauldron in her home country, faced challenges on the court during the last Olympics, which contrasted sharply with her emotional experience of the event. The Tokyo Olympics hold a special place in Osaka's heart, particularly as it was at the 2021 French Open where she first publicly addressed her struggles with anxiety and depression. This candidness marked a turning point in sports, encouraging discussions around mental health that were previously stigmatized. Osaka expressed her desire to be recognized for more than just her mental health journey, emphasizing her growth as a person since then. Despite the difficulties she faced in 2021, including withdrawing from the French Open and skipping Wimbledon, Osaka remains eager to compete for Japan. She acknowledges the Olympics as a pinnacle of sports, reflecting on her mixed experiences during that year, which included a brief hiatus after her U.S. Open title defense. Experts, like Ketra Armstrong from the University of Michigan, highlight the importance of mental well-being in sports, noting that Osaka's openness has inspired many, including younger athletes, to prioritize their mental health. This shift in perspective is crucial for both athletes and individuals in various fields, reinforcing the idea that mental health is as vital as physical performance.