Naomi Osaka pens emotional post about ‘fighting the thought that I won’t be a good mom’
Former world No 1 Naomi Osaka has opened up about life as a new mother and having doubts about whether or not she is “doing okay” – both as a parent and in terms of life in general.
The four-time Grand Slam winner hasn’t played competitive tennis since September last year as she announced in January this year that she was expecting her first child with her partner Cordae. They became parents in July when she gave birth to a daughter named Shai.
Osaka turned 26 earlier in October and in celebration of her birthday she shared a heartfelt open letter on social media about her recent struggles.
The Japanese star, who has indicated that she plans to return to action at the beginning of the 2024 tennis season, admitted that “many doubts raced through my head”.
“Where has the time gone? I look back on my life and it feels like I’m rewinding an old VHS tape,” she wrote.
“It flashes by so quickly and suddenly I’m here in the present. I often try to retrace my steps to figure out how I ended up here. I know I say this often, but I truly still feel like that kid playing on public courts in Queens, NY.
“Randomly I wonder if I’m doing okay; is there a correct path to take in life or have I veered off onto the scenic route for a little bit? However, I’ve now come into the mindset that I can only keep moving forward and everything that will be, will be.
“Something I had to conquer recently is fighting the thought that I won’t be a good mom. So many doubts raced through my head I had to swat them away like mosquitoes. Looking into Shai’s eyes and holding her I always think, ‘wow this little person depends on me so much, I have to do better’. It’s such a strange feeling watching your kid grow, you blink and they’re double the size in a few months.”
However, the tennis super star finished on a positive note as she revealed her new positive outlook.
She added: “Gratefulness reminds me to breathe and take in the little things (and the big ones). I’m so grateful to have another year and I’m so thankful to everyone that believes in me, love you and thank you ❤️.”
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