Naomi Osaka says she had to fight the thought she ‘won’t be a good mom’

Naomi Osaka is reflecting on motherhood as she turns 26.

The tennis superstar, who celebrated her birthday last week, took to social media on Sunday to share her thoughts on becoming a parent, expressing herself in both English and Japanese.

“Something I recently had to overcome is the fear that I won’t be a good mother. My mind was filled with doubts, but I had to push them away,” the first-time mother wrote in a heartfelt message on Instagram.

Osaka and her partner Cordae welcomed their daughter named Shai earlier this year.

The Olympic athlete and mental health advocate mentioned her child in her post, saying, “When I look into Shai’s eyes and hold her, I always think, ‘Wow, this little person relies on me so much. I need to do better.'” Osaka continued, “It’s a strange feeling to watch your child grow. They seem to double in size in just a few months.”

In addition to her tennis career and motherhood, Osaka has been pursuing other interests. She released a children’s book called “The Way Champs Play” in December 2022, which focuses on empowering kids through sports. She also started her own production company, Hana Kuma, last year.

Osaka ended her message by expressing gratitude for her fans and embracing the mindset that “everything that will be, will be.”

“Gratitude reminds me to appreciate both the little things and the big things in life. I’m grateful to have another year and I want to thank everyone who believes in me. Love you all and thank you,” she concluded.