Since welcoming her daughter Shai in July 2023, Naomi Osaka has faced her toughest challenge yet: balancing motherhood with a demanding tennis career. Leaving Shai during the tour weighs heavily on her. “Sometimes I feel like I’m missing important moments, so I feel like I’ll put extra pressure on myself to win because it feels like it’s all for nothing, missing this time with my daughter, if I’m not getting the results,” she shared in February. Despite the struggles, the moments at home bring her deep joy– and sometimes moves her to tears!
Osaka just wrapped up her Italian Open run with a Round of 16 loss to Peyton Stearns. But before that, she made waves by defeating Sara Errani, Viktorija Golubic, and Marie Bouzkova—showing real grit on the clay. Luck wasn’t exactly on her side this time, but she’s not letting it get her down. With the French Open starting May 25, Naomi’s taking some well-deserved time off to soak up precious moments with her daughter at home.
On May 20, Naomi shared a heartwarming moment on Threads and Instagram Story. She revealed she was moved to tears when her daughter Shai played with a Barbie doll modeled after her. “Shai played with my Barbie for the first time the other day and she kept calling it ‘mommy doll’. I cried ,” Naomi wrote. The doll is part of Mattel’s Barbie Role Model series, honoring women who inspire future generations.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – AUGUST 27: Naomi Osaka of Japan walks on court before playing against Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia during their Women’s Singles First Round match on Day Two of the 2024 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 27, 2024 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
For those who don’t know, the Naomi Osaka Barbie was introduced in July 2021, capturing her iconic 2020 Australian Open look—complete with her Nike brushstroke tennis dress, white visor, and Yonex racket. It sold out within hours, proving just how much Naomi resonates beyond the court.
This moment felt full circle for Naomi, who became a mom in July 2023 and continues to balance tennis with motherhood. This isn’t Osaka’s first Barbie honor. Back in 2019, she was featured in Barbie’s 60th-anniversary Shero line, celebrating trailblazing women worldwide.
Her emotional update comes after a solid clay-court showing, following her title win at the WTA 125 L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo. It was her first title in four years and first on clay since becoming a mom. Not to mention, Shai is a big motivator for her, even though her coach might not approve of her ways!
Naomi reveals how she hides her biggest motivation from Patrick Mouratoglou
After her impressive title win, Naomi Osaka started the Italian Open strong by beating Sara Errani in the Round of 128. She was then set to face Paula Badosa, but at the last moment, Badosa pulled out with an injury. Naomi admitted, “I didn’t know lucky losers could replace seeds, so I thought if she pulled out, I’d get a walkover.” Instead, she faced Viktorija Golubic, who took the first set 6-2 and played well in the second. But Naomi rallied to win 2-6, 7-5, 6-1.
Talking about the tense match moments, Naomi said, “I thought, if I could get a flight at midnight, I could beat the time zone and come back with a week before the French Open.” She added with a laugh, “It’s a really terrible way of thinking and if [coach] Patrick [Mouratoglou] reads this, he’s going to be pissed. But I’m glad I was able to switch my train of thought before that happened.”
Last December, Naomi opened up about how motherhood changed her outlook. She said, “I don’t think I’m the type of player that would hang around. I have a lot of respect for all the players on tour, but the point of my life that I’m at right now if I’m not above a certain ranking, I don’t see myself playing for a while. I’d rather spend time with my daughter if I’m not where I think I should be and where I feel like I can be.”
With the French Open starting May 25, could this break have recharged Naomi for a stronger clay run? Clay has been her weak spot, never getting past the third round at Roland Garros. But after her recent clay win and time with Shai, maybe this year will be different. What do you think? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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