Naomi Osaka’s decision to step away from tennis in 2022 became a profound journey of self-discovery, one that many women, especially mothers, can relate to. In a recent Tennis Insider Club podcast, the four-time Grand Slam champion revealed that her experiences during pregnancy and postpartum recovery changed how she views herself. Instead of being defined by her accolades, Osaka found the importance of recognizing her worth beyond accomplishments.
“I would lose a match and then feel like my life is meaningless … like the only value I had was winning,” Osaka explained. “So I felt it was essential to take a break to uncover my true potential and explore what I can contribute to the world.”
This candid reflection from an athlete known for her quiet intensity resonates deeply with many women navigating the identity changes that often accompany motherhood. It captures the disconcerting yet enlightening moment when self-worth is no longer solely tied to achievements.
“I didn’t see my worth outside of tennis” — The struggle of tying identity to achievement
Before her pregnancy, Osaka struggled to dissociate her self-worth from her performance in tennis, a sentiment echoed by many new mothers. It’s that moment when the familiar markers of success fade, leaving a void where self-esteem once thrived.
Dr. Sarah Allen, a perinatal psychologist focused on identity shifts during early motherhood, highlights that many women experience a sense of loss when entering motherhood. This is not because they have changed negatively, but because their previous definitions of success have become irrelevant.
“When your day revolves around caring for another person,” she writes in her blog Reclaiming Your Sense of Identity When You’re a Mom, “it’s easy to forget who you are apart from motherhood.”¹
Dr. Allen emphasizes that disorientation can be heightened in women who are accustomed to measuring success through tangible achievements, reminding us that the journey of self-discovery post-birth is truly about renewal. Osaka exemplifies this process, discovering new purpose when the pressures of competition recede.
The power of taking a step back: Insights from pregnancy
“I’ve always taken small breaks in my career,” Osaka stated in the podcast, “but my pregnancy break was significant for recognizing many aspects about myself.”
Her comments reflect a realization that resonates with many mothers: pregnancy serves as a vital reset. Amid sleepless nights and bonding moments with her daughter Shai, Osaka found strength not in constant striving, but in moments of stillness.
For numerous mothers, this recalibration feels all too familiar. Embracing rest can lead to radical insights. Within that rest, a newfound understanding takes shape—capacity is measured not just by actions, but by depth of being.
Rediscovering joy and purpose beyond the court
When Osaka returned to competition in January 2024, she wasn’t merely making a comeback; she was rediscovering joy. By 2025, she was gracing the Top 20 rankings again, with impressive performances during the Montreal finals and the US Open semifinals. Yet, her year-end ranking (No. 16 in the world) felt more like a statement that ambition and fulfillment can harmonize.
With a fresh coach and revitalized energy, Osaka now symbolizes a powerful narrative for working mothers—ambition does not have to lead to exhaustion. One can come back stronger, yes, but also with a deeper self-awareness and clarity on what truly matters.
Value beyond performance
Your personal “court,” whether it’s a boardroom, classroom, or kitchen table, underscores a universal truth: you are so much more than your accomplishments. Embracing pauses breeds grace. It fosters the power of rediscovery. Sometimes, stepping back allows us to reconnect—to not merely our past selves but to who we were meant to be all along.
Sources:
Dr. Sarah Allen. “Reclaiming Your Sense of Identity When You’re A Mom.”
