Naomi Osaka redefines the boundaries between herself and tennis with her documentary "The Second Serve."

New York, August 18 — As the US Open approaches, tennis icon Naomi Osaka has chosen an unconventional way to step back into the spotlight. Instead of training on the courts, she appeared in the New York studio of "The Today Show," dressed in a gentle gray belted dress, black stockings, and heels, with a matching handbag, confidently introducing her newest documentary, "The Second Serve."

Set to premiere on August 24, 2025, this documentary is a collaboration between Osaka’s own creative company Hana Kuma and Nike. More than just a film about tennis, it serves as a heartfelt letter to her daughter Shai, born in July 2023—a moving narrative about motherhood, career rebirth, and psychological resilience.

“I am a tennis player, but I’m not just an athlete,” Osaka declares in the trailer for "The Second Serve." This statement feels like a manifesto for the next chapter of her career, unveiling the multidimensional life of a world-class athlete beyond the spotlight. The documentary delves into the profound impact of pregnancy and postpartum life on both mind and body, capturing her struggles and breakthroughs as she returns to professional tennis.

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of the documentary is Osaka’s bold challenge to the stereotype that “pregnancy means the end of a career.” “Some people say my daughter ended my career, but to me, it feels like she started it,” she asserts. “Nothing is over, and you’re never out of the game.” These words are not only a response to critics but also a message of solidarity to mothers who are professional athletes worldwide.

This isn’t the first time Naomi Osaka has used a documentary to share her inner world. In 2021, she partnered with Netflix on "Naomi Osaka: Playing by Her Own Rules," where she candidly discussed her struggles with mental health under immense expectations. Now, "The Second Serve" continues this honesty and vulnerability, while adding a new layer of strength—maternal resilience.

Osaka’s journey now transcends the sport itself. She is not just playing tennis; she is pushing the boundaries of what it means to be an athlete. “One of my biggest motivations is to share the stories of mothers,” she explains, “but I also want to leave a little time capsule for my daughter to watch when she grows up.” This intention to turn personal experience into a public legacy reveals her maturity and sense of responsibility as a public figure.

As the US Open draws near, Naomi Osaka will once again step onto the courts of Flushing Meadows—not just as a four-time Grand Slam champion, but as a mother, a mental health advocate, and a woman continually redefining herself. "The Second Serve" documents not only her return but also signals the start of a new narrative in sports, where athletes no longer have to choose between their professional and personal identities, but can embrace every part of themselves.

Amid the surge of sports documentaries, "The Second Serve" is destined to hold a special place. It’s no longer just about wins, losses, and trophies, but about life’s most profound transformation—becoming a mother, and in that journey, rediscovering one’s passion for the game and for life. Through her story, Naomi Osaka reminds us that sometimes the greatest victories aren’t on the scoreboard, but in the courage to redefine ourselves.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Mei)