Former world number one Naomi Osaka has labeled 2024 as her “learning year” in a candid reflection on her return to professional tennis following a maternity break. The 26-year-old Japanese star, who boasts four Grand Slam titles, has encountered a series of early exits in major tournaments this season, prompting a reevaluation of her approach to the sport and her ability to cope with setbacks.
Osaka’s 2024 campaign has been marked by disappointments in Grand Slam events. She reached the second round at the US Open, Wimbledon, and Roland Garros, while suffering a first-round exit at the Australian Open. These results stand in stark contrast to her previous successes and have forced the tennis icon to confront the realities of her comeback.
The challenges Osaka faces were further highlighted in her recent US Open performance. She succumbed to a 6-3, 7-6(5) defeat against Karolina Muchova in the second round, struggling to counter the Czech player’s adept serve-and-volley strategy. This loss served as another reminder of the work that lies ahead for Osaka as she strives to regain her top form.
In a post-match press conference, Osaka opened up about the emotional toll of these defeats. “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 confessed. However, she also emphasized her efforts to approach these setbacks with greater maturity, actively learning from them and engaging in more open discussions about her experiences.
Osaka’s journey in professional tennis has been closely watched, not only for her on-court achievements but also for her advocacy of mental health in sports. In 2021, she made headlines at the US Open when she revealed that victories no longer brought her joy, only relief from pressure. This admission sparked widespread discussions about the mental challenges faced by elite athletes.
Now, as she navigates her comeback, Osaka claims to have developed a new perspective. However, she acknowledges the difficulty in reconciling her feelings of improvement with the reality of her recent results. “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 explained to reporters.
Despite the setbacks, Osaka maintains a positive outlook on her busy schedule since returning to the tour in January after a 15-month hiatus. She views her packed itinerary as an opportunity for growth and new experiences. “It’s been fun playing a lot of tournaments. It’s been a commitment for sure, but I’ve been able to go to different cities that I’ve never been to,” she shared, highlighting the silver lining in her challenging season.
Osaka’s determination to compete at a high level was evident in her performance at the US Open. Despite losing in the second round of qualifying in Cincinnati, she showcased glimpses of her formidable talent in New York, delivering a straight-sets victory over 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko in the first round. This win served as a reminder of the potential that still lies within the former champion.
Reflecting on her approach to the 2024 season, Osaka emphasized her commitment to growth and learning. “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 stated. The US Open, a tournament where she has clinched two of her four Grand Slam titles, holds particular significance for Osaka. “Obviously the US Open is very special to me,” she added, underscoring the emotional connection she shares with the New York event.
Osaka’s journey in 2024 exemplifies the challenges faced by elite athletes returning to competition after extended breaks. Her openness about the mental and emotional aspects of her comeback continues to resonate with fans and fellow athletes alike. As she navigates this transitional period, Osaka’s resilience and determination to improve remain evident, even in the face of disappointing results.
