Naomi Osaka, the former world number one and four-time Grand Slam champion, is calling 2024 her “learning year” after returning to the tour following a maternity break. She’s been grappling with a series of early exits from major tournaments, including a second-round loss to Karolina Muchova at the US Open. Despite the disappointment, Osaka remains resolute in her approach, viewing this period as a valuable learning experience.
Osaka’s return to the tour has been marked by a busy schedule, as she’s participated in numerous tournaments since January. However, her success hasn’t been consistent. While she acknowledges feeling physically better, the frequent defeats are taking a toll. “It’s a little rough because I do take these losses really personally. It’s like a dramatic word, but I feel like my heart dies every time I lose,” she said. “I’ve been trying to be more mature and learn and talk more about them.”
Osaka has been a vocal advocate for mental health in sport, previously opening up about her struggles with the pressure to succeed. Though she’s gained a new perspective since her break, the constant setbacks are proving difficult. “It’s been a little difficult because obviously I can only gauge how I’m doing by results. Like, I feel faster. I feel better, but I lost in the second round. So it’s a little rough,” she shared.
Despite the challenges, Osaka remains optimistic about her journey. “This year for me has been a learning year. I put a lot of energy and effort into all the tournaments that I played,” she said. “Obviously the U.S. Open is very special to me.” Her US Open experience, despite the early exit, has provided valuable lessons as she continues to navigate her return to competitive tennis. As she stated, “It’s been a commitment for sure, but I’ve been able to go to different cities that I’ve never been to.” Osaka’s commitment to growth and her resilience in the face of adversity are sure to be a source of inspiration for her fans as she continues to carve her path back to the top of the tennis world.
