Naomi Osaka is among the most honest players on the WTA or ATP Tour, and she did not hide her true feelings about fans saying hi during practice sessions.
Osaka is preparing for the 2025 season after a mixed return to the sport in 2024. She was away on maternity leave throughout 2023 before returning in the opening week of the 2024 season.
The four-time Grand Slam champion hopes to return to her best level with new coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who was appointed after the US Open. They had one tournament together at the China Open before a back injury ended Osaka's season.
Mouratoglou is a controversial figure since he gave Simona Halep the collagen that led to her doping suspension. The French coach faced no consequences for playing a pivotal role in the Romanian's ordeal.
However, Mouratoglou also had a successful spell with Serena Williams and will hope some of that magic can be reproduced when Osaka begins her 2025 season before the Australian Open.
Osaka seems to be in a good place right now. She recently shared a picture of herself wearing practice clothes, stating that she had worn baggier clothes in the previous three years due to feeling chubby but is more confident now.
The joy of motherhood is also rubbing off on Osaka. That was demonstrated when the 27-year-old revealed something her daughter Shai did that filled the two-time US Open champion with more joy than anything else.
Osaka is also writing a book. Although she did not reveal exactly what the book would be about, the Japanese star shared an excerpt that discussed how she found it to like herself as a child.
The former world No. 1's powerful brand of tennis and honesty and authenticity off the court make her one of the most popular tennis players in the world. Fans pay her much attention no matter where a particular tournament is located.
A fan on Instagram asked Osaka if she is bothered by fans saying hi during practice sessions. Osaka gave a frank answer: It does not at all, and being greeted still leaves her shocked despite being so popular.
"Honestly not at all. I still think of myself as the kid practicing on public court so it's always a shock and an honor that you guys know who I am. Genuinely don't know how I got here. I'm not able to have full convo's during my practices however."
Osaka's not engaging in lengthy conversations during practice sessions is entirely understandable since she is trying to focus. However, it is nice that the 2019 and 2021 Australian Open champion still appreciates the support she gets from fans worldwide.
That support has not decreased after she was away on maternity leave and had some struggles in 2024. In fact, Osaka's openness off the court about mental health and motherhood attracted more fans.
Those supporters might be hopeful about Osaka's chances of having a very strong 2025 season since she seems to be in a positive place mentally and physically.
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