Naomi Osaka’s return to the tennis spotlight in 2025 has electrified fans and rewritten the narrative for one of the sport’s most compelling stars. After a two-year hiatus to welcome her daughter, Shai, Osaka’s journey back to the top has been filled with resilience, high drama, and a renewed sense of purpose.
From Maternity Leave to Grand Slam Semifinals
Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1, stepped away from professional tennis in 2023 to focus on motherhood. Many wondered if she would ever return to her dominant form. This year, she answered those doubts emphatically, storming through the North American hard court season and making a deep run at the US Open—her first Grand Slam semifinal appearance since 2021.
Her path to the semifinals was anything but easy. Osaka dispatched top-seeded players including Coco Gauff, Karolina Muchova, and Daria Kasatkina, showcasing the aggressive baseline play and powerful serve that made her a household name. The semifinal clash against American Amanda Anisimova became an instant classic, with Osaka narrowly losing in three sets: 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3.
Despite the defeat, Osaka’s performance was widely celebrated. She took to social media to reflect on her journey, sharing candid photos and expressing gratitude for her supporters. “I don’t feel sad,” she wrote, emphasizing her pride in how far she’s come since returning to the tour.
A New Era: Coaching Changes and Fresh Motivation
Osaka’s resurgence comes after a significant coaching shakeup. In July, she parted ways with renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou, a move that many insiders believe helped her rediscover her independence and competitive edge. Since then, Osaka has appeared more focused and self-assured, both on and off the court.
Her comeback has also sparked conversations about the challenges faced by athlete-mothers. Osaka has been candid about the physical and emotional hurdles of balancing elite competition with parenthood, earning praise from fellow players and fans alike for her openness and determination.
Beyond the Court: Activism and Influence
Osaka’s impact extends far beyond tennis. She remains one of the world’s most marketable athletes and a leading voice for social justice. Her activism, particularly around racial equality and mental health, has earned her accolades including
Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year and multiple appearances on
Time’s list of the 100 most influential people.
Her story is now the subject of a new documentary,
Naomi Osaka: The Second Set, which chronicles her life after giving birth and her journey back to the sport. The film, set to premiere on Tubi, promises an intimate look at Osaka’s evolution as both an athlete and a mother.
What’s Next for Osaka?
With the 2025 US Open now in the rearview mirror, all eyes are on Osaka’s next moves. Will she continue her upward trajectory and add to her Grand Slam tally? Or will she shift focus to new ventures, both on and off the court?
One thing is clear: Naomi Osaka’s comeback has already inspired a new generation of athletes and fans. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, reinvention, and staying true to oneself—even when the world is watching.
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5. Sasnovich comes from a set and a break down to upset Osaka in ...
6. Tennis fans up for treat as Osaka, Gauff set up US Open 'deja vu'
7. Naomi Osaka | Player Stats & More – WTA Official
8. Female Tennis Players | Rankings, Stats & Bios - WTA Official
9. Naomi Osaka On-Court Interview | 2025 US Open Quarterfinal
10. Three-Time Grand Slam Champion Naomi Osaka Invests in North ...
11. Naomi Osaka - latest news, breaking stories and comment
