In my review of the Netflix docuseries “Break Point” last week, I expressed sincere surprise that the show’s latest installment used Naomi Osaka as one of the narrators. In retrospect, the decision makes perfect sense. The streaming service previously released a three-part documentary on her in 2021. Accompanying the cancellation announcement of “Break Point” last week was a note that Netflix was launching a new documentary project focusing on Carlos Alcaraz. This is an opportunity to glance back at the “Naomi Osaka” documentary in anticipation of what might be in store.
“Naomi Osaka” was billed as “an intimate look inside the life of one of the most gifted and complex athletes of her generation.” The official synopsis also promises insight into the tough decisions and ecstatic triumphs that have shaped Naomi Osaka as a superstar and a young woman.
The narrative arc starts and ends with the US Open. The triumph and tragedy of her 2018 title, which was marred by the Serena Williams code violation controversy, serves as the launch point for how Osaka was first thrust into the public spotlight. In essence, it traces the period of her life as she went from virtual anonymity in the sport into an overnight global superstar.
The documentary is an introspective examination of the mental pressures of the upper echelons of professional tennis. It is also layered with Osaka’s unique history. You can feel the weight of responsibility and expectations on her shoulders. At one point, she reflects that winning was somehow psychologically tied to her worth as a person.
The film has a brooding and morose feel. It is also overtly artistic, showing an elaborate behind-the-scenes look at the glamorous photo shoots Osaka appeared in as part of her commercial endorsements and business initiatives. It is a visually stunning portrait of the time demands and off-court expectations placed on her shoulders.
Osaka’s second title at the US Open in 2020 is the capstone to the story. Her confidence and mature voice sharply contrast with her initial tentative and awkward steps into the public eye. Those championships work as effective milestones, marking how much she has evolved. The end result is a satisfying story of triumph over adversity.
The documentary “Naomi Osaka” traces the player’s ascent from obscurity to superstardom. Its brooding atmosphere, artistic flair, and intimate revelations give it a distinctly different feel from other sports films. I highly recommend “Naomi Osaka” for its insight into the mental pressures in tennis and its behind-the-scenes look at the sport.
