Naomi Osaka is reflecting upon turning 26.
The professional tennis player celebrated a birthday on Monday, Oct. 16, and in a post on her social media channels on Sunday, she opened up about starting a new year, life, and motherhood. Among the insights she shares, Osaka explained how she’s grappled with self-doubt and confidence in her abilities as a new mother.
Naomi Osaka spoke of motherhood and gratitude as she turned 26. Above, the tennis star is shown in September at the Victoria’s Secret World Tour event in New York. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images)
“Where has the time gone,” she begins the post. “I look back on my life, and it feels like I’m rewinding an old VHS tape; it flashes by so quickly, and suddenly, I’m here in the present. I often try to retrace my steps to figure out how did I end up here.”
Osaka became a mother for the first time in July when she gave birth in Los Angeles to a baby girl named Shai, whom she shares with her boyfriend, rapper Cordae. Since announcing she was expecting, the four-time Grand Slam singles champion has kept fans updated through social media posts, sharing shots from a vacation to Japan while pregnant and a sneak peek at Shai’s minimalistic and chic cloud-themed nursery. A month before she gave birth, Osaka shared scenes from her princess-themed baby shower with her followers on Instagram.
“I know I say this often, but I truly still feel like that kid playing on public courts in [Queens], NY,” she said in Sunday’s post.
She continued, “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.”
Reflecting on her first few months of motherhood, Osaka added, “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.”
The young tennis champion noted that she’s constantly realizing how much her daughter depends on her and wondering whether or not she needs to do better. Osaka also described a relatable feeling for many parents.
“It’s such a strange feeling watching your kid grow; you blink, and they’re double size in a few months,” she said.
2023 has been a busy year for Osaka, marked by many changes, including motherhood and her announcement that she’ll return to tennis after a brief hiatus due to mental health concerns.
In her post, she said “gratefulness” reminds her to breathe and not lose sight of the little things in life. She concluded, “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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