Living in the spotlight is not easy, and Naomi Osaka got to experience that multiple times throughout her career.
As an advocate for mental health, the Japanese player knows the importance of having privacy and own mental space, which is often not respected when it comes to athletes and famous people.
After giving birth to her first daughter, rumors started swirling around that Osaka may have broken up with her boyfriend, rapper Cordae, as the two were not really seen publicly together.
She never felt a need to address those rumors, as the two carried on with their lives. However, in a recent interview with InStyle, Osaka indirectly gave an answer, as she talked about their relationship and raising their daughter.
"We built a really good foundation. I don't know if it's because he's just an easygoing guy, but I think we just respect each other's opinions. And if we disagree on something, we talk it out. At the end of the day, we both want what's best for Shai."
For Osaka, motherhood is a completely new experience, but it's a experience she's enjoying. As a person who is not afraid to speak up when it matters, the 26-year-old hopes that her daughter will be able to follow her footsteps.
"I want her to stand up for what she believes in. I think that there's a lot of power in someone's voice. Judging from how much [Shai] likes to do her little talking, I guess she's also going to be a vocal kid."
When it comes to her tennis career, Osaka is set to come back at the 2024 Brisbane International, and she will also compete at the Australian Open after that, a tournament that she managed to win two times in her career.
However, this time, she will do it all for the first time as a mother.