Naomi Osaka explains why she's investing in women's sports

Naomi Osaka is one of the world’s most recognizable and marketable athletes. The Japanese tennis player, who’s lived most her life in the U.S., is a four-time Grand Slam winner.

She’s been open about her struggles with depression and took a break from the sport starting in 2022. Osaka returned last month in Australia after giving birth to her first child in July.

She spoke to Bloomberg in Abu Dhabi on Feb. 3 about her mental health and her future on and off the court. The 26-year-old has been somewhat of a trailblazer, especially among women sports figures, when it comes to investments. Ranked among the highest-paid female athletes, she’s bought stakes in soccer and pickleball teams and has started production and sports-management ventures.

— Bloomberg: You played your first Grand Slam for a while last month — the Australian Open — where you lost in the first round. And you got to the second round just before that in Brisbane. How far are you from beating the best players in the world again?

— Osaka: Obviously, I would’ve wanted to do better in Australia. But I played really great players. I guess going into those tournaments I didn’t want to be losing 6-0. So, I accomplished one of my goals already. But I think I’m at a pretty good level. Hopefully I’m able to pull off some scrappy wins and get the confidence to beat the players I want to beat. Right now, I have to keep playing matches.

— Bloomberg: Are you already thinking of being back in the world’s top 10 and winning Grand Slams?

— Osaka: I do think about it. I often wonder how long it’ll take me to get to the level I want to be at. My shots are there. It’s more decision-making during the matches. It might take some time. The worst result would be getting there during the US Open [which starts in late August] and the best result would be to get there [earlier] around the French Open and Wimbledon.

— Bloomberg: You’ve been very open about your struggles with mental health. Has giving birth to your daughter changed things? Has it made coming back to the tour and handling all the pressures that come with being a top tennis player easier?

— Osaka: Having my daughter Shai has strengthened my mind a lot and made me appreciate a lot of different things. The Australia trip was hard as it was my first trip without her. I also felt a bit sad at the end as I didn’t think I made the time worth it. Being away from her, I wish I could have done better. But I feel that having her was the biggest blessing in my life. It’s incredible to see her grow every day and learn. Hopefully she’ll be happy to have me as a mum.

— Bloomberg: Beyond your endorsements, you’ve invested in (soccer) — in the North Carolina Courage, which plays in the top women’s soccer league in the U.S. — and in pickleball. You’ve also go your sports’ management and production companies. What was the reason you chose those, and what’s your next investment?

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