Three years after lighting the Olympic cauldron in Tokyo, Naomi Osaka is set to prove her mettle once again at the Paris Olympics. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who recently returned to tennis after a 15-month hiatus for the birth of her daughter, Shai, has had a challenging journey back to her peak form. As she begins her Paris Games campaign against Germany’s Angelique Kerber on Saturday, Osaka is determined to turn her fortunes around.
Osaka’s return to the tennis circuit late last year has been marked by ups and downs. The 26-year-old admitted to not feeling fully confident after a swift defeat by American Emma Navarro in the second round of Wimbledon. However, her performance at the French Open provided a glimmer of hope. Osaka held a match point against the world number one, Iga Swiatek, before ultimately losing in a three-set thriller. This match showcased Osaka’s potential for recovery and sets a hopeful tone as she heads to Roland Garros for the Olympics.
Reflecting on her Wimbledon exit, Osaka expressed her commitment to preparing for the Olympics. “Since I’m out so early, I really want to take the time and train for the Olympics because I do want to do well,” she said. “I do know that my last clay court match was really good. So I might end up liking that surface a lot more than grass now.”
Currently ranked 102 in the world, Osaka earned her spot at the Paris Games through a special exemption for Grand Slam champions. She will face a formidable opponent in Angelique Kerber, a fellow mother and former world number one who has announced her retirement after the Games. This matchup is not only a clash of two tennis greats but also a significant moment for both athletes as they navigate their respective journeys.
Osaka’s Olympic memories are a mix of highs and lows. Lighting the cauldron in Tokyo was a historic and proud moment, yet she faced a tough loss in the third round to Marketa Vondrousova. Despite this, Osaka remains passionate about the Olympics, viewing it as a celebration of sport and a unique opportunity to interact with athletes from around the world. “Growing up watching the Olympics on TV, I felt that it was a celebration of sport,” she shared. “Just to be able to be an athlete there and interact with other athletes is one of the funnest things that I’ve ever done.”
Born in Japan to a Japanese mother and a Haitian father, Osaka’s tennis journey has been illustrious. She won her first Grand Slam at the US Open in 2018, followed by another victory at Flushing Meadows in 2020, and two Australian Open titles in 2019 and 2021. However, her career has not been without challenges. Osaka has been open about her struggles with mental health and depression, taking a break from tennis after the French Open in 2021 before returning to compete at the Tokyo Olympics.
Off the court, Osaka has been a vocal advocate for social issues and has pursued several interests, including her sports management agency, Evolve. Despite these endeavors, she has maintained that becoming a mother rekindled her love for tennis. Speaking in April about the Paris Olympics, Osaka set clear ambitions. “I have high ambitions of myself and I hope that I can do really well and get a medal,” she stated.
As Osaka prepares for her Olympic campaign, the world watches with anticipation. Her journey is a testament to resilience and the unyielding spirit of a champion.
