Naomi Osaka Advances in Beijing, Opens Up on Mental Health and Motherhood
Naomi Osaka defeated Maria Timofeeva 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 in the second round of the China Open on Friday, October 2, 2026, after receiving a first-round bye as the 12th seed. The victory sets up a third-round clash with rising star Sara Bejlek, with a spot in the fourth round on the line. But it was Osaka's post-match press conference that drew widespread attention, as the former world No. 1 delivered an emotional reflection on her mental health journey and the role her three-year-old daughter, Shai, has played in reshaping her perspective on tennis.
"I feel like I'm definitely happier now. It's because, like, tennis isn't my entire life. I've managed to build a life outside of that. My daughter's a huge part of it," Osaka said. She described growing up "sheltered," having "literally ate, slept, and breathed for tennis," and now embracing a more balanced approach. "I'm just trying to do the best with the time that I have," she added.
Osaka's comments come five years after she withdrew from the 2021 French Open, revealing long bouts of depression and social anxiety. Since then, she has become one of the most prominent athlete advocates for mental health, and her latest remarks underscore how far she has come.
A Season of Consistency
The 2026 season has been Osaka's most consistent Grand Slam campaign since winning her fourth major title at the 2021 Australian Open. She reached the third round at the Australian Open (withdrawing before the match due to injury), the fourth round at Roland Garros, the quarterfinals at Wimbledon—her first ever at the All England Club—and the fourth round at the US Open. It marks the first time in her career she has reached the second week at three Grand Slams in a calendar year.
"I am happy with the consistency," Osaka said ahead of the tournament. "I think from Wimbledon to now, I have reached deeper in tournaments or more consistently deeper in tournaments than before. Obviously the US Open means a lot to me, so I am sad that I could not have gotten further. But I am hopeful for this swing."
Next Challenge: Rising Star Sara Bejlek
Osaka's next opponent, 20th-seeded Sara Bejlek, represents a significant test. The young Czech burst onto the scene with a semifinal run in Cincinnati, where she defeated two former Grand Slam champions. Bejlek's explosive game and big serve make her one of the tour's most promising talents. Analysts expect Osaka to serve aggressively and dictate with her backhand, while Bejlek will look to use her forehand to create angles and shorten points. The match is scheduled for Saturday in Beijing.
A Broader Perspective
Osaka's journey reflects a growing trend among elite athletes prioritizing mental well-being alongside competitive success. Her openness has resonated globally, and she remains one of the most popular sporting figures in Asia and beyond. "I feel like I have always been really fortunate because I have been able to have fans around the world," she said. "It's kind of like a melting pot of a community that is really kind to me."
As she continues her campaign in Beijing, Osaka's story is no longer just about titles—it is about resilience, balance, and the perspective that motherhood and self-care have brought to a career once defined by relentless pressure. Her performance this week will be watched closely, but her words may leave an even lasting impact.
For more on the China Open, see our coverage of Novak Djokovic Battles Health Issues and Bu Yunchaokete to Reach China Open Quarterfinals.
Looking Ahead
Osaka's renewed consistency and emotional well-being suggest she is far from finished. While she acknowledges that nothing lasts forever, her approach—grateful, grounded, and driven—positions her as a contender for deep runs in the remainder of the season. A victory over Bejlek would mark another step forward in a year that has already redefined her post-2021 trajectory.
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