Naomi Osaka remains one of tennis’s most influential figures, both on and off the court. After a year that tested her resilience and resolve, she returns to the tour with a fresh mindset and ambitious goals, especially on clay. This article explores Naomi Osaka’s recent journey, mental approach, and her plans for the 2025 clay season.

A New Chapter: Osaka Embraces the Clay Season

Naomi Osaka’s transition back into professional tennis has been closely watched. After stepping away from the sport for maternity leave and mental health, Osaka resumed her competitive journey with renewed strength and focus. Her acceptance of a wild card for the 2025 L'Open 35 de Saint-Malo signals an important shift in her career. She is eager to gain match play on clay, a surface she has been working hard to master. Saint-Malo marks her first WTA 125 event in nearly a decade, showing her willingness to adapt and seek new challenges as she rebuilds her ranking and confidence.

Mindset Matters: The Power of Reset and Self-Belief

Returning to the tour has not been without hurdles. Early exits, such as her closely fought match against Lucia Bronzetti in Madrid, have tested Osaka’s emotional resilience. She has been open about her mental health struggles, often sharing her thoughts candidly on social media. After her Madrid loss, Osaka wrote, "I refuse to be sad, I rebuke it," demonstrating her commitment to a positive mindset. In an insightful article on Tennis.com, she discusses how she moves forward after setbacks, choosing to focus on gratitude and learning rather than defeat.

Training and Coach Partnership: Looking for Growth

Osaka’s preparation for the clay season has been intense. Working closely with coach Patrick Mouratoglou, she has enjoyed a long training block on clay in France. According to a conversation with Tennis Majors, Osaka said, "I feel stronger and I feel like I’m able to play really long matches." Her partnership with Mouratoglou brings her greater confidence and structure. Together, they focus on physical and mental readiness, aiming to make her a consistent force on all surfaces. For more details on her training mindset, see the full Tennis Majors interview.

Balancing Life: Motherhood and Motivation

Motherhood has added a new layer to Osaka’s journey. While travel and the demands of the tour present challenges, Osaka acknowledges the joy and motivation her daughter brings. She remains determined to make the most of her time on and off the court, striving for balance in her professional and personal life. Her candidness about these experiences has resonated with fans and inspired conversations about athlete mental health.

Looking Ahead: Goals and Expectations for 2025

As Naomi Osaka eyes the rest of the clay swing and beyond, her goals are clear—she wants to test herself, find consistency, and rediscover the joy of competing. By returning to her training roots and emphasizing positivity, she is positioning herself for continued success. Upcoming events, such as the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, offer more opportunities to watch Osaka in action and track her evolving story.

Naomi Osaka’s journey epitomizes resilience and growth. For fans and followers, her story is a reminder that the path to excellence is not always straight, but with the right mindset and support, new beginnings are always possible.