Naomi Osaka Opens Up About Postpartum Body Image Struggles
Naomi Osaka, the former world No. 1 tennis player, has opened up about the challenges she faced with her changing postpartum figure and the pressure to “snap back” after giving birth to her first daughter.
Osaka returned to the tennis tour this year after a break to welcome her daughter, Shai. While she kept expectations in check about her on-court performance, she faced different pressures off the courts.
In a lengthy social media post, Osaka shared that she felt “ashamed” of her body at times, especially when wearing form-fitting tennis clothes. She admitted to fighting the “overwhelming urge to ‘snap back'” and compared herself to other moms who seemed to lose weight quickly after giving birth.
“Seeing other moms seemingly shrink immediately after having their baby was an expectation I began to put on myself,” Osaka wrote. “That self-comparison always hurt because I felt as an athlete I should be losing weight quicker than most.”
Osaka shared a series of photos showing the evolution of her postpartum figure, expressing gratitude for her body’s journey. She emphasized that all bodies are different and that she appreciates hers for how it is.
“My body has done so much for me and adapted so well to the tasks that I’m asking from it, I’m extremely grateful and thankful,” Osaka said.
Osaka’s post resonated with fellow moms and athletes, who praised her honesty and vulnerability. WTA world No. 68 Taylor Townsend commented, “Our bodies are amazing! YOU ARE AMAZING!” while Allyson Felix, the most decorated American track and field athlete, said, “I definitely can relate to your journey.”
Despite the challenges, Osaka finished the year with a 22-17 record, reaching two quarterfinals. She showed flashes of her best form and even held match point against Iga Swiatek at Roland Garros.
Currently ranked No. 59, Osaka is aiming for a strong start to the 2025 season after a back injury and ruptured abdominal forced her to withdraw from her remaining WTA events.