It’s rare that a player dazzles so spectacularly both on and off the courts, but Naomi Osaka is one of the exceptions—particularly as she continues to bring the conversation around mental health and sports more into the mainstream. The 28-year-old four-time Grand Slam tennis champion and mother of adorable toddler Shai has just partnered with supplement brand OLLY for its “Do What Serves You” campaign, which centers on the importance of women’s mental well-being. In Osaka’s words, it’s all about “[encouraging] women to honor their minds and bodies, and to choose themselves without guilt.”
Though certainly easier said than done, Osaka knows better than most how necessary it is to prioritize our health. She withdrew from the French Open (and later Wimbledon) in 2021, citing anxiety and mental health. The time away clearly paid off, as she has since returned to the sport with a renewed verve. As Oprah has said time and time again, you can’t pour from an empty cup.
In a conversation with Oprah Daily, Osaka discusses how her approach to self-care has changed over the years, and shares the practices she relies on to stay grounded throughout it all.
What does the phrase “do what serves you” mean to you?
As athletes, we’re so focused on training and pushing our bodies that we sometimes forget taking care of our minds is just as important. It’s not always easy, but for me, doing what serves me means carving out time during the day where I can pause and check in with myself. And I think it’s really important to honor those moments.
How has your relationship with self-care evolved these last few years?
I used to worry so much about disappointing people by saying no. That feeling still comes up sometimes. It’s easy to feel pressure to do everything, or be everything, for everyone. The 2021 French Open opened my eyes and made me realize I don’t always have to do what’s expected of me. That was the first time I fully trusted myself to protect and understand my own boundaries.
Taking care of myself is part of taking care of my daughter.
Motherhood has also shifted my perspective on self-care. Taking care of myself is part of taking care of my daughter. How I spend my time—how I’m setting boundaries—it isn’t just about protecting my own energy anymore, but about protecting her and the life I’m building for her. I really try to listen to what I need in the moment, and to trust that the choices I make are the right ones for both of us.
There’s so much pressure in your field. How are you protecting your peace during those high-stakes moments?
Protecting my space isn’t necessarily about blocking everything out, but rather about being intentional with what I let in. Again, I really try to make time for small moments, even if it’s just a few minutes to reset. I like meditating. I love listening to ocean or rain sounds—there’s something about those that help slow everything down and make me feel more centered. And when things are high-stakes, I come back to those habits and remind myself to stay present.
We’re obsessed with your Met Gala look! And your on-court style is such a signature, too. How has fashion played a role in your confidence as an athlete?
I’ve always seen my on-court style as an extension of who I am. I’m really fortunate that Nike allows me so much creative control when it comes to my on-court outfits. Feeling comfortable and liking myself helps me stay present and trust my instincts, and being able to walk on the court in that form lets me play freely, which in turn lets me play my best tennis.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
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Sofia Lodato (she/her) is a staff writer at Oprah Daily. Aside from reading, writing, and wellness, she is a lover of all things media-related, and can usually be found overanalyzing her latest favorite show, album, or video game.