Tennis star Naomi Osaka, who suffered a disappointing loss in the second round of this year's U.S. Open, said becoming a mother has helped her put things in perspective.

On Saturday, August 31, the athlete posted a series of photos on Instagram showcasing her return to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, with an inspiring caption highlighting how her daughter has made her realize all she has already accomplished.

“Honestly, I had typed out the whole caption about being disappointed in myself, etc., but then I sat here and played with my daughter and realized I couldn't be prouder of myself,” Osaka wrote. 'I gave birth to this amazing human being and played the U.S. Open.'

“Sure it didn't work out this time, but I believe it will eventually,” she added.

“Thank you, NY, for all your help.

Osaka was eliminated from the tournament after losing to Czech Karolina Mushova 6-3, 7-6 (5) in the second round. After the loss, she spoke candidly to the press.

“It's kind of hard because you really take a loss like this personally. I don't mean to exaggerate, but I feel like my heart dies every time I lose,” Osaka said, according to the Associated Press. 'But I've tried to be more mature and learn and talk about losing.'

Osaka, who won the 2018 and 2020 U.S. Open and the 2019 and 2021 Australian Open, was competing in this year's U.S. Open after a nearly two-year break to prioritize her mental health and starting a family.

She then gave birth to a daughter in July 2023.

At the same press conference, the tennis star said she was “nervous” when faced with the “pressure moments” of the match, adding, “I don't know if I have to keep playing more matches to get used to that feeling, especially on a really big stage.”

In addition to highlighting key messages about perspective, self-love, and the sense of accomplishment that comes from simply being a mother, Osaka also highlighted her show-stopping tennis fashion, which features copious amounts of bows and frills.

To mark her return to the U.S. Open after a brief hiatus, Osaka wore a custom-made collaboration by AMBUSH designer Yoon Ahn and Nike in the color of the summer, brat green.

The ensemble featured ribbons from head to toe, including bows on the back of her bright green tennis dress as well as her sneakers. The custom outfit also included a detachable green and white tulle tutu and a white windbreaker, also adorned with bows.

According to a new profile of Osaka on Highsnobiety, her brat green outfit was a tribute to the designer and athlete's “love of Japan and Japanese subcultures.”

In an interview with The New York Times, Osaka opened up about the type of fashion she saw during her visit to Japan, giving further insight into her return outfit and homage to her home country.

“I remember the first time I went to Japan, I saw so many frills and ribbons,” she said. 'When I'm in court, I tend to gravitate towards really pretty, cute things that I don't think are girly. I think it's really cool to emphasize that.”