Naomi Osaka Reacts With Mixed Feelings To First Wimbledon Win In 6 Years
By Afouda Bamidele on July 2, 2024 at 6:45 AM EDT
Congratulations are in order for Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka; however, she's unsure how to feel about her latest victory.
The biracial athlete, who returned to the court a year after becoming a first-time mom, won her first Wimbledon match in six years on Monday — an achievement that sparked mixed reactions from the 26-year-old.
Naomi Osaka was the first woman to win successive major singles titles since tennis superstar Serena Williams in 2015. However, her mental health forced her to take a hiatus in 2021.
Naomi Osaka's First Wimbledon Win Feels 'A Little Up And Down'
Following her victorious match against French tennis player Diane Parry on Monday, Osaka opened up about her feelings in a press conference. She confessed to having mixed reactions to her first Wimbledon win in six years, saying:
"It felt really fun and really stressful at the same time … the match, I think, was a little up and down, but I think overall it was something that I can take a lot away from."
Osaka defeated Parry in the final two games of the third set with a 6-1, 1-6, 6-4 victory. While this milestone solidifies her position as a star tennis player, it is also another step in the biracial athlete's goal to develop a more positive outlook on the court,per NPR.
Osaka Is Trying To Piece Herself Back Together
The 26-year-old has been vocal about her mental health and her struggles on grass courts, revealing that she can be a "downer" on herself. These problems forced her to withdraw from the French Open in 2021 before taking a longer hiatus after welcoming her daughter, Shai.
Osaka reflected on her journey, saying: "I think my mindset last year was just trying to survive. I honestly didn't know what was going on after I gave birth, but yeah, just trying to piece myself back together."
"It feels really, really cool. I feel myself constantly being surprised by things on the ground, and it's just really nice to win a match," the athlete claimed. She first announced her return to tennis last September, citing her daughter's positive influence.
The WTA Star Return And Inspiration
In September 2023, The Blast reported that Osaka would return to reclaim her crown at the 2024 Australian Open, and she owed her newfound determination to her daughter.
She confessed that she missed being part of the game but had no regrets about her hiatus. The doting mother-of-one declared:
"I'm in this position now, and I'm very grateful. I really love my daughter a lot, but it has really fueled a fire in me."
Her words came months after she slammed critics for claiming motherhood would affect her athletic abilities. Osaka told trolls to redirect their concerns as her position as a tennis superstar was unaffected by her daughter's presence. Her retort on X read:
"Btw to the people that are suddenly concerned about my career- Plenty of male athletes with kids are significantly less accomplished. You might wanna worry about them instead. Thanks for the concern. Might wanna redirect it to someone that needs it, though."
Naomi Osaka's Perspective On Health Has Changed Since Her Hiatus
Osaka continues to be vocal about her mental health, sharing in a recent interview that her perspective on her well-being changed amid her hiatus and motherhood. In her words:
"As an athlete, my health has always been a priority, even more now that I am returning to tennis after having my daughter. I am learning new ways to take care of myself both on and off the court, not only for myself but for my family."
"Being intentional is important when it comes to prioritizing your health as a mom and an athlete. Finding balance in all areas of life, including training, is important," Osaka told PEOPLE, adding:
"I believe continuing to nurture my body and mind is what will allow me to achieve my goals on and off the tennis court."
The Tennis Player Plans To Continue Evolving
With a new positive mindset, Osaka stressed that her goal is to "continue to evolve" as a tennis player and a person. She plans to achieve this by being more mindful about her health and "how crucial it is to take care of myself."
"For me, it is not just about physical fitness or performance metrics; it's about feeling strong, focused, and happy in every part of my life," the four-time Grand Slam singles champion explained, adding:
"Becoming a mother has been a transformative experience that has shifted my perspective on wellness, both personally and professionally. It's taught me the importance of my own self-care in a whole new way."
