Former world number one Naomi Osaka has expressed her struggles in readjusting to tennis following a break for maternity. Osaka, who returned to the WTA Tour in January after giving birth to her daughter Shai in July 2023, has found it challenging to regain her top form, with her performances falling short of expectations. Despite her illustrious career and four Grand Slam titles, she has been unable to advance past the quarter-finals in any tournament since her return.
In an Instagram post on Tuesday, the 26-year-old Osaka revealed that her primary struggle isn't just with losses but with the sensation of being disconnected from her own body. She described a disorienting feeling of missing shots she usually makes and hitting the ball with less power than she remembers. This mental struggle has been exhausting for her as she tries to push through this phase of adjustment.
Osaka's latest setback came with a second-round defeat to American Ashlyn Kreuger at the Cincinnati Open. Reflecting on her current challenges, Osaka likened her experience to feeling post-partum and noted that despite having moments where she felt like herself, the game now feels almost foreign. She admitted to not giving herself enough grace for these changes and is looking forward to competing at the US Open, where she is a two-time champion, later this month.
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