Naomi Osaka opens up about feeling “trapped” for years as she reflects on turning another year older
WTA
Naomi Osaka has opened up about the pressure she placed on herself when she was younger, admitting that she often felt she was falling behind despite her achievements. In a personal message shared on social media on October 16, the four-time Grand Slam champion reflected on how her perspective on success and happiness has changed as she approaches 30.
The Japanese player explained that birthdays often prompt her to review her life, bringing emotions linked to the expectations she once placed on herself. While she previously felt that everything she accomplished was not enough, Osaka now believes she has learned to appreciate her journey and the life she has built.
Her reflection comes as she approaches the end of the 2026 season. Osaka reached the fourth round of the China Open, defeating Maria Timofeeva and Sara Bejlek before losing to Karolina Muchova in a deciding-set tiebreak. She subsequently withdrew from the Wuhan Open and is expected to return at the Japan Open in Tokyo, where she will aim to finish the year on home soil.
Currently ranked No. 19 in the WTA rankings, Osaka has shifted her focus beyond results, emphasising the importance of appreciating both the positive and difficult moments in life.
Osaka admits she once felt she was “always falling behind”
Osaka began her message by expressing gratitude for her family, friends and the opportunity to continue pursuing her dreams. She explained that her birthday reflections used to leave her feeling that she needed to achieve more, regardless of what she had already accomplished.
“When I was younger I used to think that I was always falling behind, my yearly life reviews would make me feel like everything I had accomplished wasn’t good enough and I had to keep doing more.”
The former world No. 1 believes her perspective has changed as she approaches the end of her twenties. Rather than remaining trapped by expectations, she has learned to recognise the progress she has made and the opportunities her life has given her.
“As I’m nearing the end of my 20’s I’ve started to understand that I had actually acquired the tools to escape this figurative ‘cage’ that I have felt trapped in a long time ago.”
“Is this life beyond my wildest dreams? Absolutely”
Osaka also reflected on how different her life has become from what she imagined as a child. Having won four Grand Slam titles and reached the top of the rankings, she acknowledged that her experiences have surpassed what she could once have anticipated.
“Life is so full of unexpected surprises and challenges, thinking on it as a kid would I have ever guessed I would end up here? Absolutely not. Is this life beyond my wildest dreams? Absolutely.”
Osaka's Grand Slam titles
| Year | Grand Slam | Opponent in final | Score |
| 2018 | US Open | Serena Williams | 6-2, 6-4 |
| 2019 | Australian Open | Petra Kvitová | 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 |
| 2020 | US Open | Victoria Azarenka | 1-6, 6-3, 6-3 |
| 2021 | Australian Open | Jennifer Brady | 6-4, 6-3 |
Her message centred on learning to appreciate the present rather than constantly pursuing the next achievement. Osaka acknowledged that difficult experiences are also part of a life worth valuing, particularly when viewed in retrospect. “Through my reflections I have learned that you really have to enjoy every second of life, (even the tough ones) because one day it’ll just be a remembrance.”
Read also
Osaka's next expected appearance is at the Japan Open in Tokyo after her withdrawal from Wuhan. The tournament will give her an opportunity to close out the season in front of her home crowd, but her birthday message offered a reminder that her perspective extends beyond tennis results. “I feel so blessed to have collected another year’s worth of memories, cheers.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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