When Naomi Osaka announced the end of her 2025 season after pulling out of the Japan Open, it felt less like a setback and more like a pause. The former World No. 1 had pushed through one of her most complete campaigns in years, one that offered both progress and perspective.

In a sport where momentum is everything, Osaka’s season was about rediscovery. After years marked by injuries, personal challenges, and a long layoff, she proved she can still mix it with the world’s best, even if the brilliance wasn’t always sustained.

A Year That Began With Promise

Osaka’s 2025 began brightly. She reached the final of the ASB Classic in Auckland and advanced to the third round of the Australian Open, looking sharper and more settled than she had in years.

Her clay swing brought a pleasant surpri

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