Naomi Osaka recently shared a touching message aimed at those she described as ‘overthinkers’ and ‘overachievers.’ The Japanese shared the lengthy message days after her first-round defeat at the 2025 Madrid Open. Furthermore, her colleagues Christopher Eubanks and Ons Jabeur backed her statements online.
Naomi Osaka Gets Past Madrid Open Setback With an Emotional Message
The 2025 season hasn’t brought out the best in Osaka so far, as she has failed to make an impact in most tournaments she played in after the ASB Classic, though injuries have played a role in this as well.
The Japanese started her clay-court campaign in Madrid but faced a first-round elimination after losing 4-6, 6-2, 4-6 to Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti. Nonetheless, the former World No. 1 has moved on from that setback and recently shared a message on her Instagram handle.
“To my fellow overachievers, over thinkers and over analyzers– You’re allowed to live in the moment. Life is so insanely short and I know it doesn’t happen often but I want you to take a second to breathe,” she wrote.
The four-time Major champion added that struggles often seel huge in the moment, but they ultimately shape our growth, stating:
“One day you’re going to look back and laugh at how insignificant your past worries were and you’re going to realize how amazing it is that those very worries, (seemingly so major at the time), have challenged you and allowed you the opportunity to grow as a person. I hope you take a good look at your surroundings and smile today. You’ve made it so far, and I’m excited to see how much further you’ll go.”
View this post on Instagram
Fellow tennis players Ons Jabuer and Christopher Eubanks reacted to Osaka’s message, and both agreed with her senntiments. While Eubanks shared a bullseye emoji, Jabeur shared a few heart emojis.
Naomi Osaka Will Next Compete at WTA 125 Event in France
Osaka will shift her focus to next week’s L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo, her first WTA 125-level tournament in a decade. The world No. 55 has made a wildcard entry into the tournament, and the update was confirmed on Thursday, Apr. 24.
Under WTA rules, players ranked No. 11 or lower can participate in a WTA 125 event if they lose early at a Grand Slam or 1000-level event, happening simultaneously. Osaka’s last appearance in a WTA 125 event came at Hua Hin, Thailand, in Nov. 2015. The Japanese will look to improve her 9-5 win-loss record by winning the L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo.
