Naomi Osaka
How Motherhood Sparked a New Chapter on the WTA Tour
In recent years, more and more women have shown the world that motherhood doesn’t mark the end of a career - it can be the start of an even stronger chapter. Among them is Naomi Osaka, former world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion, who welcomed her daughter Shai in July 2023 and returned to professional tennis just six months later.
Now, in 2025, Osaka is not only back on the WTA Tour but thriving again - a powerful example of resilience, identity and the courage to embrace change.
Motherhood as Motivation
Osaka has described her comeback as a “love letter for mums.” She explains:
“Some people say she ended my career, but for me, it feels like she started my career. Nothing is ever over and you’re never out of the game.”
For her, becoming a mother didn’t close a door - it opened a new one, giving her perspective, drive and renewed purpose. That message resonates far beyond tennis.
At MOCO Coaching, we see this every day: transitions like parenthood, illness or grief can feel daunting, but with the right support they often unlock new confidence and potential.
Balancing Identities
Since Shai’s birth, Osaka has largely kept her daughter’s life private, but her presence is deeply felt. For many mothers returning to work - whether on the global stage or in day-to-day workplaces - the balance of identities is both a challenge and a source of strength.
At MOCO, we help people navigate this balance. Through 1:1 coaching, workshops and counselling, we give space for individuals to rediscover who they are - not just as employees, but as whole people. Like Osaka, many of our clients find that embracing all their identities makes them stronger in every role.
The Road Back
Osaka’s comeback wasn’t instant or easy. Fitness struggles, tough matches and the weight of expectation made her journey bumpy. But her perseverance paid off. In 2025, she reached her first WTA 1000 final in over three years, re-entered the top 30 and proved that resilience and patience make all the difference.
This is a story we see echoed in workplaces too. Returning to work after a major life change is rarely straightforward - but with the right guidance, individuals and organisations discover that the comeback can be just as powerful as the beginning.
Why It Matters for Businesses
Athletes like Osaka remind us that transitions are not an ending - they are opportunities for growth. Businesses that recognise this and support their people through parental leave, illness or other life changes, don’t just act compassionately; they retain talent, build trust and strengthen culture.
That’s why MOCO Coaching exists: to help organisations turn returns into moments of resilience and renewal. Whether through 1:1 coaching, reintegration workshops or culture programmes, we walk alongside businesses and their people as they navigate life’s transitions - so no one has to return alone.
Conclusion
Naomi Osaka’s story is about much more than tennis. It’s about courage, identity and the power of support during life’s biggest transitions.
At MOCO Coaching, we believe the same is true in every workplace. When employees are supported in their return, they don’t just come back - they come back stronger, with renewed purpose and confidence. And that benefits not just the individual, but the whole team.
Because every return - whether to the court or the workplace - can be a story of resilience and growth.
✨ If your business wants to turn returns into stories of resilience, confidence and growth, we’d love to talk. Let’s explore how MOCO can support your people through life’s pivotal moments.