Lately, Naomi Osaka‘s social media has focused on her recovery and training as she prepares to return to form after giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in 2023. While she participated in several tournaments this year, she faced early exits until an injury forced her to withdraw from the Billie Jean King Cup due to back and abdominal issues sustained during the Asian swing of the tour. However, it seems that training wasn’t the only project occupying this four-time Grand Slam champion’s time.

On Friday, Osaka surprised fans with an exciting announcement on Instagram Threads about her latest venture: a book! She wrote, “So I’ve been writing a book and I think I want to post one excerpt on IG because I feel like someone might find it relatable and that would make me happy.” While fans flooded the comments with encouragement, she still seemed a bit hesitant.

Later, she shared a screenshot of her post on her public Instagram story, adding, “I’m kinda nervous 🥲 If I wake up with courage I’ll post it tomorrow.”

Two days after losing to Ashlyn Krueger in Cincinnati Masters’ qualifiers in August, Osaka took to her IG and wrote, “I love writing, I love the feeling of pouring my soul into the text and wording things in my voice. I sit over my sentences for hours trying to figure out how to make them flow better. I have so much respect for authors, you guys are amazing.” 

In 2022, Naomi Osaka released a children’s book titled “The Way Champs Play”. This inspiring book celebrates sportsmanship and encourages young readers to be kind, cooperative, and dedicated. And most importantly, having fun while striving for excellence.

Osaka’s journey with shyness dates back to 2020, when she opened up about it in an interview with CNN. She admitted to struggling with speaking up and often providing “one-word answers” during interviews. However, after working on this issue, she noted, “Even right now, maybe a couple of years ago I would be very, very shy to do this interview and you would only get like two words out of me, but now we’re getting full sentences!” With a little courage, perhaps she’ll take the leap and share her writing with fans.

Throughout her career, Osaka has battled mental health challenges. She has been open about her journey with depression and anxiety in the sport. Recently, especially after dealing with postpartum issues, she has become vocal about her fitness and weight loss journey. She shares glimpses of her routine and achievements on social media, inspiring many along the way.

Naomi reveals excitement about finally leaving her “chubby” days behind her

After welcoming her daughter, Shai, in July 2023, Naomi Osaka faced significant challenges with her body during her postpartum journey. In candid social media posts, she opened up about the struggles of body image and the pressures to “snap back” after childbirth. “Honestly, I don’t really know what to caption this post. I wanted to say ‘body changes throughout the year,’ but it actually means a lot more to me than that,” she shared. Despite moments of insecurity, Osaka’s determination shone through as she worked to regain confidence in her body.

In a recent Instagram Story, Osaka showcased her transformation in a fitted tennis outfit, standing confidently in front of a mirror. “Yeah, yeah, yeah, you know, okay, I think this outfit looks better in person,” she remarked playfully. Reflecting on her journey from baggy clothes to embracing her current shape, she added, “For the past three years, I was chubby, but I think we’re back. It’s cold here, though, so baggy clothes are still in, but one thing’s for sure—she’s gonna slay again.”

Osaka also addressed the unrealistic expectations she placed on herself by comparing her journey to those of other new moms who seemed to bounce back effortlessly. “Seeing other moms seemingly shrink immediately after having their baby became an expectation I placed on myself,” she admitted earlier in October. Yet through it all, she expressed gratitude for her body and its capabilities.

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“My body has done so much for me and adapted so well to the tasks that I’m asking from it,” she wrote on IG. As she continues to embrace her transformation journey with grace and strength, do you think she’ll share the excerpts from her book soon? Share your thoughts in the comments below!