Naomi Osaka Opens Up About Postpartum Depression in New Documentary

Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam tennis champion, has shared her experience with postpartum depression following the birth of her daughter, Shai, in July 2023. This revelation comes in her upcoming documentary, Naomi Osaka: The Second Set, set to premiere on Tubi on August 24, 2025. In the film, she candidly discusses the emotional challenges she faced during this transformative period.

At a private screening in New York City on August 19, 2025, Osaka expressed that she felt “like a shell” in the wake of her daughter’s arrival. Reflecting on her mental health, she admitted to experiencing “extremely bad postpartum” depression and struggled with how to cope. “Honestly, I also had extremely bad postpartum, and I didn’t know how to deal with it that well,” she told People.

Osaka shared an intimate note she had written, revealing her inclination to express her feelings through writing rather than speaking, as doing so often led her to tears. She recounted her belief that her prior knowledge about postpartum depression would prevent her from experiencing its effects. “Prior to giving birth, a bunch of different people had told me about postpartum. But truthfully, I had thought that since I was so aware of it, I could somehow avoid the symptoms altogether.”

The athlete described her emotional state during this time, stating, “I felt like a shell of myself at all moments of the day … I no longer knew who I was anymore. It felt like everyone else had moved on and they were living in color. Meanwhile, my world was stuck in gray.”

Finding Strength in Motherhood

Despite her initial thoughts that motherhood would hinder her tennis career, Osaka discovered a renewed sense of purpose while pregnant. She told People, “I was one of those people that thought when I had a kid I would stop playing tennis.” Instead, she found inspiration in her daughter, expressing a desire for Shai to see her compete. “She definitely inspired me to continue,” she noted.

Remarkably, just one week after giving birth, Osaka returned to training, demonstrating her determination despite facing criticism. “I really desperately wanted to play … that’s kind of my, I guess, stubbornness,” she explained. With a lifelong commitment to the sport, she found the transition back to training more manageable than anticipated.

Osaka also spoke about the challenges of being away from Shai while traveling and training. She credited her mother, Tamaki Osaka, and a supportive network of fellow mothers for helping her navigate this demanding period. “Just seeing her makes my day brighter,” she said of her daughter, who has become a significant source of positivity in her life.

The documentary Naomi Osaka: The Second Set, directed by Kat Jayme, is described as a “love letter” to mothers, capturing the essence of Osaka’s journey through motherhood and professional sports. As the film’s release date approaches, it promises to shed light on the intersection of mental health and athleticism, resonating with audiences worldwide.

Osaka’s openness about her struggles not only highlights the challenges many new mothers face but also serves as an empowering reminder that seeking help and sharing experiences is crucial in overcoming mental health issues.