Naomi Osaka is gearing up to take part in the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, which she has won twice, in 2019 and 2021. The Japanese star finished her 2025 campaign by reaching the semifinals of the US Open, where she lost to eventual runner-up Amanda Anisimova.
Last year’s US Open was Osaka’s best result at a Major since winning the 2021 Australian Open. The Japanese star took a hiatus just before the 2023 Australian Open after announcing that she was expecting the birth of her first child with ex-partner, rapper Cordae.
The duo welcomed a baby girl, whom they named Shai, in July 2023. In her documentary “Naomi Osaka: The Second Set,” the Japanese pro explained how she dealt with postpartum depression and found a renewed passion to play for her daughter. On Thursday, Osaka shared a heartwarming message for her daughter ahead of the 2026 Australian Open.
“Thank you, Shai will love these books @australiaopen,” she wrote on her Instagram story.
The image showcased two children’s books that were supposedly gifted to the Japanese star for her daughter, whom she had to leave behind in preparation for the first Grand Slam of the year at Melbourne Park.
