New coach and mum's cooking help Osaka bring back the fun

New Delhi, India Jul 6, 2026 ALN: Just two years ago, Naomi Osaka was struggling to understand why a game that was "as simple as breathing to me" was leaving her bereft.

Osaka's journey through professional has been marked not only by her remarkable achievements but also by the intense scrutiny and pressure that often accompanies success in elite s. After returning from maternity leave in July 2023, Osaka expressed feeling disconnected from her game, stating, "I don't feel like I'm in my body." This sentiment resonates with many athletes who face the challenge of returning to their after a significant life change, such as motherhood. The physical and mental adjustments can be profound, and for Osaka, this period was particularly challenging as she grappled with the frustrations of missing shots she once easily made and hitting the ball softer than she remembered.

"I try to tell myself, 'It's fine you're doing great'. Mentally, it's really draining," she reflected, highlighting the psychological toll that performance pressure can exert on athletes. The mental aspect of s is often overlooked, but for Osaka, it became a significant hurdle to overcome in her return to competitive .

However, on Centre Court this past Sunday afternoon, Osaka experienced a level of enjoyment she hadn't felt in a long time. In a stunning performance, she defeated world number one Aryna Sabalenka to advance to the quarter-finals of Wimbledon. This victory was significant not only for her ranking but also for her mental state, as it marked a turning point in her return to form. The match was hailed by two-time Grand Slam champion Tracy Austin as "the best we've seen Naomi Osaka since she came back," underscoring the importance of this win in her career.

When asked about the changes that led to her success, Osaka highlighted her coaching team, her mindset, and notably, her mother's cooking. "My mum is over there, she cooks a lot and I feel like her cooking is powering me so I would really appreciate another meal tonight!" Osaka said, reflecting on the comfort and support that family can provide during challenging times. "She cooks a bunch of Japanese food, so shout out to Japanese food. It has been a long time since I've had so much fun on the court, so to do it here means a lot." This statement not only reveals her personal connection to her heritage but also emphasizes the role of comfort food in providing emotional support during high-pressure situations.

By the age of 23, Osaka had already secured two Australian Open and two US Open titles, reaching the pinnacle of the world rankings. However, she has openly discussed the immense pressure that accompanies such success. Following her first major win in 2018, Osaka faced bouts of depression, a struggle that she bravely brought to light, helping to destigmatize mental health issues in s. After stepping away from the in 2021 to prioritize her mental health, Osaka took a 15-month maternity leave to care for her daughter, Shai. During her absence, the landscape changed significantly, with players like Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, and Coco Gauff emerging as dominant forces, winning major titles and establishing rivalries that made Osaka's return even more challenging.

A particularly tough 6-2, 6-1 loss to Swiatek in Rome marked a turning point for Osaka. "I felt like I just shut everyone out [after the loss]. I just got on a plane back home," she recalled. "I didn't talk to my team. I felt really ashamed about what I did. After that, I just told myself I'm nearing 30, I've really got to enjoy the time I have." This moment of self-reflection was crucial for Osaka, as it prompted her to reassess her approach to the and prioritize enjoyment over pressure.

Osaka emphasized the importance of balancing her career with her life outside of , stating, "I have to treasure it in the way that I can, which is not putting too much importance on it." This perspective is vital for athletes who often face the burden of expectations, allowing them to find joy and fulfillment in their craft without losing sight of their personal well-being.

In her recent match against Sabalenka, Osaka matched her opponent's pace while demonstrating greater control. While Sabalenka's frustrations manifested in visible anger, Osaka maintained her composure, jogging back to the baseline after missed shots. This level of mental fortitude is crucial in high-stakes matches, and it reflects the growth Osaka has undergone since her return to the . She achieved an impressive 21 winners and won 87% of points behind her first serve, statistics that underscore her return to form and effectiveness on the court. Osaka credited her coach, Tomasz Wiktorowski, who joined her in mid-2025, for her improved performance on grass courts, indicating the importance of a supportive and understanding coaching relationship.

"When I was younger, I used to be extremely low, to the point where I'd bang my knees on the ground and think maybe I need knee guards while I'm playing," she shared, revealing the depth of her earlier struggles. "We all understood that I have the potential to play really well on grass. I just need to figure out the movement part." This acknowledgment of her past challenges and the ongoing work to refine her skills demonstrates Osaka's commitment to her growth as a player.

Osaka noted that much of her training with Wiktorowski focused on pattern recognition and building comfort with her game. This approach is crucial for athletes as they seek to develop their instincts and reactions during matches. Having her family around her in London also contributed to her calmness during the tournament. They celebrated Shai's third birthday during the tournament, although Osaka humorously mentioned having to put her daughter in time-out for being "kind of bad," showcasing the lighthearted moments that help balance the pressures of competition.

Looking ahead, Osaka's quarter-final opponent, Karolina Muchova, is known for her crafty play, which will challenge Osaka's pace with spin and guile. However, Osaka feels more relaxed and prepared than ever, a testament to her renewed sense of enjoyment and confidence in her game. As Tracy Austin noted on BBC TV, "Osaka probably thought it [her return] was taking way too long - this time last year she wasn't even ranked in the top 50. She has done a great job of getting more consistent, she is fitter than I've ever seen her and she is so committed to being controlled out there." This positive assessment reflects not only Osaka's physical readiness but also her mental resilience, which will be essential as she continues her journey in the tournament and beyond.