Naomi Osaka is making strides in her comeback, but she still faces challenges. The Japanese tennis star, known for her immense talent, is working through a demanding process that requires patience. Despite this, signs of progress are becoming clearer. She made a winning start at the Miami Open 2025 and shared some surprising insights during her press conference.
At 27, Osaka has experienced both triumph and struggle. After reaching the top of the sport by age 25, she faced intense media pressure and mental health struggles. Now, she is determined to compete at the highest level again and shed the label of a “fallen star.” Her first-round victory in Miami marks an important step forward.
Osaka’s match against Katarina Starodubtseva was tougher than expected. At one point, she was close to defeat. “When I reach maximum concentration, I completely forget what’s happening in the match—I’m in a bubble,” she admitted. “My coach told me I saved a break point when I was down 2-5 in the second set, and I had no idea. I try to play every point like it’s the most important one.”
Next, Osaka will face Liudmila Samsonova in the second round as she continues her fight to reclaim her place among the sport’s elite.
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