Naomi Osaka has opened up about her struggles with tennis following her elimination from the 2024 Cincinnati Open qualifiers, where she lost to Ashlyn Krueger. In an emotional Instagram post, the four-time Grand Slam champion expressed that her biggest challenge isn't the losses but rather feeling disconnected from her body, likening her experience to postpartum changes. Since returning to the sport after giving birth to her daughter Shai, Osaka has faced a disappointing 17-14 record in 2024, struggling to regain her previous form. She described the mental toll of missing routine shots and not feeling the racket as an extension of her hand, which has been disheartening for her as a lifelong player. Despite these challenges, she remains determined to inspire her daughter by demonstrating hard work and perseverance, emphasizing her love for the process of improvement. Osaka is expected to compete at the US Open later this month, where she may receive a wildcard entry due to her past success in the tournament.