Former world number one Naomi Osaka is facing a challenging re-entry into tennis following her maternity break. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who welcomed daughter Shai in July 2023, has admitted to feeling disconnected from her body and struggling to rediscover her top form.
Despite pushing world number one Iga Swiatek to the limit at the French Open, Osaka has been unable to maintain consistency. She described her current state as feeling "post-partum," a sensation that is both unfamiliar and unsettling for a player who has held a racket since the age of three.
The 26-year-old expressed frustration at her inability to replicate her previous level of play, highlighting a disconnect between her mind and body. Osaka remains determined to overcome these challenges and is focused on her upcoming appearance at the US Open, where she has triumphed twice.
While the road back to peak performance is proving arduous, Osaka's candidness about her struggles offers a glimpse into the complexities of returning to professional sports after childbirth.