Former world number one and four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka made a surprise appearance at the US Open on Wednesday, where she participated in a panel discussion on mental health and sport. Osaka, who recently became a mother and has not played competitively since September 2022, shared her personal struggles and her plans to return to tennis next year.
Osaka returns to the scene of her triumphs and tears
Osaka, who won the US Open in 2018 and 2020, said it felt like seeing an old friend again as she entered the tournament grounds. She also admitted that she shed some tears in the main interview room, where she had experienced some difficult moments in the past.
“For me coming back here, it means a lot. This room, in particular. There were some tears shed. A lot,” Osaka said with a chuckle. “I feel a lot of joy coming back here. It’s kind of like seeing an old friend I haven’t seen in a long time.”
Osaka revealed her issues with depression and anxiety when she withdrew from the French Open in 2021, after being fined for skipping a mandatory press conference. She later took extended breaks from the game to protect her mental health, sparking a global conversation about the pressures faced by athletes.
Osaka joins Michael Phelps and U.S. Surgeon General in mental health forum
Osaka was joined by Michael Phelps, a 23-time Olympic gold medalist swimmer who has also spoken openly about his mental health challenges, and U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, who has advocated for more awareness and support for mental well-being. The panel was moderated by USTA President and Chairman of the Board Brian Hainline, and was entitled “Mental Health and Sport: Why It Matters.”
The panelists discussed topics such as loneliness, connecting with others via a “buddy system,” the role of social media in mental health struggles, and parenting. Osaka said she learned a lot from Phelps, who shared his experiences with depression, suicidal thoughts, and therapy.
“I think it’s really important to have someone that you can talk to that’s been through similar situations,” Osaka said. “For me, Michael is someone that I can learn a lot from. He’s gone through so much more than I have.”
Murthy praised Osaka for her courage and honesty in speaking out about her mental health, saying that she helped break the stigma and inspire others to seek help.
“Naomi, you have no idea how many people you have helped by being open about your story,” Murthy said. “You have given people permission to be open about their own struggles.”
Osaka embraces motherhood and plans comeback
Osaka gave birth to her daughter, Shai, two months ago after announcing her pregnancy in January. Shai means “God’s gift,” according to Osaka, who said she wanted her to feel that way.
“It’s definitely a weird feeling knowing that someone relies on me,” Osaka said. “I still call my mom all the time, and knowing that this little person is going to grow up and do the same … I’m excited for it.”
Motherhood has also reignited Osaka’s love for tennis and her desire to compete again. She told ESPN’s Chris McKendry that she intends to play the Australian Open in January 2024, where she has won twice before.
“I realized that I don’t know how the beginning of the year is going to go for me,” she said. “I don’t know the level of play, and I think I have to ease into it. At the very least, I’m going to set myself up for a very good end of the year.”
Osaka said she plans to play more tournaments than she used to, and that she misses the game.
“I’ve been watching matches, and I’m like, ‘I kind of wish I was playing too,’ but I’m in this position now and I’m very grateful. I really love my daughter a lot, but I think it really fueled a fire in me.”