Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, recently shared a workout selfie on her Instagram, showcasing her new braided hairstyle. This fresh look comes as she prepares to return to the tennis circuit following her early exit from the Australian Open due to an abdominal injury.
In January 2025, Osaka reached the final of the Auckland Open, her first WTA final in nearly three years. Leading Clara Tauson 6-4, she was forced to retire due to an abdominal injury. Despite an optimistic outlook and MRI results suggesting the injury wasn’t severe, the issue resurfaced during her third-round match against Belinda Bencic at the Australian Open. After taking a 4-1 lead, Osaka experienced discomfort and ultimately retired after losing the first set 6-7(3).
Despite these setbacks, Osaka’s performance in early 2025 has been promising. She holds a 6-2 record for the year, with notable victories over Caroline Garcia and 20th seed Karolina Muchova at the Australian Open. These achievements have propelled her WTA ranking from outside the top 50 to World No. 42. Her new braided hairstyle, showcased in her recent Instagram post, symbolizes a fresh start as she gears up for upcoming tournaments.
Osaka’s new look also reflects her appreciation for Japanese culture, particularly the Harajuku style known for its vibrant and eclectic fashion. In previous tournaments, she has incorporated elements like bows and frills into her outfits, blending athleticism with cultural expression.
As she continues her training, fans eagerly anticipate Osaka’s return to the court, hopeful that her renewed focus and distinctive style will lead to further success in the 2025 season.
