Naomi Osaka is back on the clay courts at the Mutua Madrid Open, where she defeated Camila Osorio 6-2, 7-5 in her opening match on Thursday. Earning her first clay-court victory in two years is a big deal, but the former world No. 1 says her positive mindset comes from something much more important off the court: her two-year-old daughter, Shai.
Naomi Osaka Credits Daughter for Bringing Joy to Madrid Open Run
Since returning to professional tennis after giving birth, Osaka has been learning to balance her career with motherhood. Having her family by her side has given her a deeply refreshing and grounded perspective. Before flying to Europe for the clay season, Osaka took a break to spend time at home in the United States, just being a parent.
“I was able to go home, honestly, pretty much be a mum,” Osaka told Express UK’s Yasmin Syed in Madrid.
“So I would take her to school, pick her up from school, and it was really cool. And she’s here with me, so just getting to see her face, and going to practises, and coming back, it’s been really special to me. So yeah, I don’t have any complaints or anything.
“Honestly, I think her growing older and just being able to figure out her schedule, obviously, with school, it’s been really helpful. And I also just really love traveling with her, like, showing her the world and just exploring. She loves traveling. She loves the airport. She loves airplanes,” Osaka added.
In the past, the pressure of the European clay swing weighed heavily on her. Today, having Shai nearby acts as a natural stress reliever. Osaka’s public battle with her mental health had hit a breaking point during the 2021 French Open, where she withdrew from the tournament to protect her well-being. After stepping away from the tour multiple times to prioritize her peace, and later to welcome her daughter in July 2023 alongside her ex-boyfriend Cordae Dunston, an American rapper and Grammy-nominated artist, she officially returned at the Brisbane International in January 2024.
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However, since returning to the court, Osaka hasn’t yet captured a Grand Slam or a top-tier trophy. The Japanese claimed her first post-maternity title at the WTA 125 event in Saint-Malo in May 2025. Beyond that, she had a few deep runs in 2025, including the finals in the Auckland Open and the Montreal WTA 1000, and the semifinals of the US Open, where she lost to Amanda Anisimova.
Up next, Osaka faces a much tougher test in the second round against Anhelina Kalinina on Saturday.
