Naomi Osaka, the renowned tennis player, has made a remarkable comeback to the court after a 15-month hiatus following the birth of her first child. Her return to the Brisbane International and the Australian Open was a significant moment for fans who had eagerly awaited her comeback. Despite not clinching a trophy and being knocked out in the first round of the Open, Osaka expressed her joy at being back on the court and pledged to return to Melbourne in 2025.
Comparing her recent demeanor to a year earlier, when she withdrew from the French Open to prioritize her mental health, it is evident that Osaka has undergone a transformative journey. Her decision to focus on her well-being sparked important conversations about mental health in sports and served as an inspiration for other athletes, such as Simone Biles and Chloe Kim, to prioritize their mental wellness.
While managing her professional career, Osaka has also been actively involved in various business ventures. She is the founder of Kinlò, a skin-care brand catering to individuals with darker skin tones. Additionally, she co-founded Evolve, a talent agency representing fellow tennis stars, and established Hana Kuma, a production company that has produced impactful projects, including a New York Times Op-Doc about Patsy Mink, the first woman of color elected to Congress and the author and sponsor of Title IX. Furthermore, Osaka is the driving force behind Play Academy, an organization that offers grants and training to girls in Los Angeles, Haiti, and Japan, ensuring they have the resources to participate in sports.
Osaka’s personal life is equally eventful, as she resides in Los Angeles with her partner, the rapper Cordae, and their 7-month-old daughter, Shai.
When it comes to her daily routine, Osaka emphasizes the importance of starting her day with a five-minute meditation, followed by spending quality time with her daughter before commencing her training. Her disciplined morning routine involves a nutritious breakfast of smoked salmon or ground beef, scrambled eggs, and matcha, which provides her with the energy to train from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. six days a week.