Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka stepped into a different kind of spotlight last night at the New York premiere of her new Tubi documentary The Second Set, a deeply personal project chronicling her return to tennis, her journey into motherhood, and her ongoing exploration of mental health and identity. The event, hosted by CBS Mornings anchor Gayle King, offered an intimate conversation with Osaka that had the whole room leaning in.
“I felt like I was on a roller coaster that I couldn’t control the speed of,” Osaka told the crowd, reflecting on her decision to take a break from tennis back in 2021. “Everything was going really fast. I feel like I wouldn’t change anything for the world. It’s not normalized for people to stop and just take a second to breathe.”
The four-time Grand Slam champ has always been known for her poise on the court, but off the court, she’s become a quiet force for change—especially when it comes to mental health in sports. “At that point, I had gone through a couple of media storms,” she added, “and I just felt like I had to do this for me. I didn’t really mind what people would think, because I knew what I was feeling inside.”
A new chapter—on and off the court
The Second Set, directed by Rebecca Miller, picks up where Osaka’s 2021 Netflix doc left off, showing not just her return to competitive tennis but her evolution as a woman and new mom.
“This was such a beautiful moment in my life,” she said of becoming a mother to her daughter Shai. “I thought, I would love for her to see this little time capsule I put together for her.”
Osaka acknowledged that her first documentary came at a “very turbulent point” in her life and career. “I also get a little worried people think I’m like a depressed girl a little bit,” she admitted with a smile. “Just because that’s how I feel like I’m portrayed sometimes.”
This new film, though, is full of joy. It’s a celebration of growth, motherhood, and resilience—and Osaka made it clear that she wanted to capture this moment in a more uplifting light.
Gayle King brings out the heart
Leave it to Gayle King to ask the questions we were all thinking. The seasoned journalist guided the conversation with warmth and empathy, giving Osaka the space to open up in a way that felt both vulnerable and strong.
The two discussed everything from Osaka’s complicated relationship with fame to her hopes for the future. Osaka shared that she hopes her daughter grows up to know “you can love something but still take time away to take care of yourself—and that’s not weakness.”
A must-watch for fans and dreamers
Whether you’re a die-hard tennis fan, a new parent, or someone figuring out your next chapter, The Second Set promises to leave a mark. It’s not just about comebacks—it’s about self-discovery, healing, and finding peace in the chaos.
The Second Set premiered to an emotional and inspired crowd in New York, and we can’t wait for the rest of the world to see it.
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