
USA Today via Reuters
Mar 8, 2022; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Naomi Osaka (JPN) looks on during the Eisenhower Cup, a charity event using the the Tie Break Tens format at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today via Reuters
Mar 8, 2022; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Naomi Osaka (JPN) looks on during the Eisenhower Cup, a charity event using the the Tie Break Tens format at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Tennis legends are trained to face and overcome even the toughest of challenges that fall against them on the courts. But besides the sport’s competitiveness, a point that actually is hard for any working woman, be it a regular corporate employee or a famous tennis player, is that life treats all as equals. Tennis legend Naomi Osaka, who recently welcomed a new member to her family, is going through a similar set of challenges.
Being a big name in the world of professional tennis has never worked well as an excuse to run away from the responsibilities of life. Just like the tennis legend Serena Williams had to wave goodbye to the tennis world because of life’s demand for an undivided focus on her kids, Naomi Osaka now appears to be at a similar threshold.
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Naomi Osaka shares her feelings about motherhood struggles
Four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka gave birth to a daughter a few months ago, named Shai. With an obvious change in the events of life, the 26-year-old recently took to social media to open up about her mixed feelings regarding the current situation. In a recent tweet, she opened up about her self-doubt. Along with that, she also talked about her challenges as a mother. “Something I had to conquer recently is fighting the thought that I won’t be a good mom. So many thoughts raced through my head and I had to swat them away like mosquitoes,” said Naomi.
twosix❤️ pic.twitter.com/AbvJ99XYMz
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) October 22, 2023
The tweet was just the start of an emotional story of a connection between a tennis icon and the fans. The reactions that the fans presented were nothing short of precious as they came in support of the Japanese tennis legend. A fan appreciated her gesture of trust, as Naomi openly shared her inner thoughts. He said, “Living in an era where superstar athletes feel increasingly comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities with the world fills me with hope.”
Living in an era where superstar athletes feel increasingly comfortable sharing their vulnerabilities with the world fills me with hope. Kids looking up to them can see that to struggle is to be human, and is a necessary part of growing up. Thank you @naomiosaka https://t.co/7Pv2ERPEqG
— Ryan (@RDalDegan9) October 22, 2023
Another fan cheered for the 26-year-old in a creative manner as he said, “This was amazing and you will be a good mom like your mom and come back stronger for your little one.”
This was amazing and you will be a good mom like your mom and come back stronger for your little one and show how to come back harder and win 🏆 💋💋 https://t.co/pC6WRQWsXF
— Lovers ❤️ (@Lovers91498999) October 22, 2023
Sharing a strong feeling of support, a fan said, “Well said. Most important though, is the belief in oneself.”
Well said. Most important though, is the belief in oneself. Looks like you’ve got it. Just come back and come get them. Happy twosix.
— Cuezmd (@onunwabifra) October 22, 2023
A woman can only empathize with the all-too-real struggles faced by another woman. Laying down a perfect example, a fan said, “Unfortunately there’s no practice court for parenting, but many wise women. One raised you.”
A wise pediatrician once said, only good parents worry about being bad parents. You won’t be perfect, but you’ll be fine. Unfortunately there’s no practice court for parenting, but many wise women. One raised you.
— Christina 💙💛🤎🖤❤️🩹 (@stinarichard) October 22, 2023
The beauty of the fan’s reactions resonated with deep level of comfort and support as one user compared the situation to her own family. He said, “My wife has often said similar, but she’s amazing. ANd is the best mum for our son there could be. Likewise, you will be the best for your child there could ever be.”
My wife has often said similar, but she’s amazing. ANd is the best mum for our son there could be. Likewise, you will be the best for your child there could ever be
— Tom (@ETFroggy) October 22, 2023
Picking positive points to encourage the tennis icon, a fan said, “Your feelings regarding motherhood are completely understandable and even expected sometimes.”
Your feelings regarding motherhood are completely understandable and even expected sometimes. That’s one way I know without a doubt that you are, and will continue to be, an outstanding mother🥰
— Angela C (@AngCparalegal) October 22, 2023
With these and countless other reactions, the beautiful response by the fans was nothing less than heartwarming. Besides fans, tennis players also took to Instagram to congratulate the Japanese star, as she shared news about her baby.
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Tennis community reacts to Osaka’s good news post
Besides a shining career of competition and rivalry on the courts, Naomi Osaka has always been known for her kind and sweet behavior. Back in July, when Osaka shared an Instagram post announcing the welcome of a baby in her life, many famous tennis icons took time to express their feelings of support and best wishes for the star. The list included names like Billie Jean King, Coco Gauff, Martina Navratilova, and many other tennis figures.
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With such a crowd of people communicating their emotional show of support, it becomes easier to face the difficulties all alone. As the 26-year-old found herself stuck in a situation of self-doubt, the tennis community came together and reminded the legend of her potential and graceful nature of being a good mother.
WATCH THIS STORY: ‘I Really Love…’ – Naomi Osaka Points to the Ancient Technique She Relies on for Keeping Calm 2 Years After Novak Djokovic and Stefanos Tsitsipas Vouched for It
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