Naomi Osaka, one of tennis’s most celebrated stars, recently captivated fans by sharing a stunning glimpse of her summer break on social media. The former world number one, who made her much-anticipated return to the court earlier this year after more than a year-long hiatus due to pregnancy, posted an elegant photo on her Instagram account. In the image, Osaka radiates confidence and grace, donning a striking red dress and holding a Louis Vuitton bag. She kept the caption simple yet impactful: “Aesthetic.” This snapshot not only showcases her undeniable style but also symbolizes her journey of rediscovery, both on and off the court, in 2024.
A Challenging Comeback Season
Osaka’s return to professional tennis in 2024 was met with great excitement and high expectations, but the journey has been anything but easy. After spending over a year away from the sport to focus on her pregnancy and the birth of her first child, Osaka faced the daunting task of regaining her form and confidence. The season proved to be a mix of challenges and learning experiences, as she navigated the physical and mental demands of top-level competition once again.
Throughout 2024, Osaka participated in 37 matches, securing 20 victories while suffering 17 defeats. While these numbers may seem modest compared to the high standards she set earlier in her career, they reflect the tough road she has faced in her comeback. Her most notable performances came in two quarterfinal appearances—at the Qatar Open and the Libema Open—where she showcased glimpses of her former brilliance but ultimately fell short of advancing further.
In February, Osaka competed in the Qatar Open in Doha, where she reached the quarterfinals before facing Karolina Pliskova. Despite a valiant effort, she lost in straight sets, 7-6, 7-6, in a tightly contested match that highlighted both her potential and the rust she was still shaking off. The match was a reminder of the razor-thin margins in professional tennis and the challenge of regaining match fitness after a long absence.
Her second quarterfinal appearance came in June at the Libema Open, where she faced Bianca Andreescu in an intense three-set battle. After taking the first set 6-4, Osaka faltered in the second set, losing 3-6. The third set was a nail-biter, ultimately decided in a tiebreak, which Andreescu clinched 7-6. This match, like the one in Doha, underscored Osaka’s resilience but also highlighted the areas where she is still working to regain her competitive edge.
Struggles on the Grand Slam Stage
For a player of Osaka’s caliber, Grand Slam tournaments have always been the ultimate benchmark, and her performances in the majors this year were a clear indication of the uphill battle she faces. Unfortunately, 2024 did not bring the success she had hoped for in these prestigious events. Her campaign began at the Australian Open, a tournament where she has previously triumphed twice. However, this time, she was knocked out in the first round by France’s Caroline Garcia, losing in straight sets, 6-4, 7-6. The loss was a sobering reminder of the level of competition she faces and the work still needed to reclaim her spot among the elite.
In the other three Grand Slam tournaments—Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open—Osaka’s journey ended in the second round. Each defeat was a learning experience, a step on the long road back to the form that once made her a dominant force on the tour. These early exits were undoubtedly disappointing for Osaka and her fans, but they also served as important milestones in her comeback journey, offering valuable lessons and insights.
Learning to Win Again
One of the most striking aspects of Osaka’s comeback has been her candidness about the challenges she faces. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who last lifted a major title in 2021, has openly acknowledged that she is in the process of relearning how to win. In an interview with Tennis 365, she reflected on her journey, saying, “I guess I need to learn how to win again. Maybe that’s something I forgot how to do. Maybe I have to keep playing matches against really good players to relearn that.”
This admission highlights the mental and emotional aspects of her return. Winning, especially at the highest levels, is not just about physical prowess; it requires confidence, strategy, and the ability to handle pressure. For Osaka, who has faced well-documented struggles with mental health in the past, this process is as much about regaining her inner strength as it is about fine-tuning her game.
The Bigger Picture: Resilience and Reinvention
Osaka’s journey in 2024 is about more than just match statistics and tournament results. It’s a story of resilience, reinvention, and the courage to face new challenges head-on. Taking a break from professional sports to focus on motherhood is a monumental decision, and returning to compete at the highest level is an equally formidable task. Osaka’s willingness to share her experiences—both the triumphs and the setbacks—has made her an even more compelling and inspiring figure.
Her return also comes at a time when the landscape of women’s tennis is more competitive than ever, with young stars like Coco Gauff and Iga Świątek making their mark. Osaka’s journey back to the top will not be easy, but if there’s one thing her career has shown, it’s that she thrives on challenges. The 2024 season may have been difficult, but it has also laid the foundation for what could be an incredible comeback story.
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 season draws to a close, Osaka’s focus will undoubtedly be on building on the lessons she has learned. Her journey is far from over, and fans can expect her to return stronger and more determined in the next season. Whether she’s gracing the court or captivating audiences with her off-court presence, Naomi Osaka remains a powerful force in the world of tennis—a player whose story continues to inspire millions around the globe.