Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka is weighing how to balance her tennis career with motherhood after falling 7-5, 6-4 to Australia’s Talia Gibson in her opening match Saturday.
Osaka returned to the tour in 2024 following a 15-month hiatus after the birth of her daughter, reaching the U.S. Open semifinals last year. She withdrew from the Australian Open in January before her third-round match because of an abdominal injury.
The four-time Grand Slam champion also suffered early exits this year, losing to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the Indian Wells pre-quarterfinals and bowing out in the opening rounds in Miami.
Asked about her plans for the clay-court season, Osaka said she is weighing the demands of the tour against the time she wants to spend at home.
“I feel like this is a dilemma for me,” Osaka told reporters.
“For me, my daughter is very important, and I want to be a mom. I want to be the best mom I can, but sometimes I feel like I know what I have to do to become a really good player, and it’s very difficult.
“Because for me, I want to win titles and I want to be the best player I can, but if I have to sacrifice a lot of time with my daughter, I’d rather not do it.
“I’m not going to play Charleston. I hope I can play Madrid, Rome and then, obviously, the French Open.”
Gibson, 21, will play Iva Jovic in the next round Sunday.
The Daily Sabah Newsletter
Keep up to date with what’s happening in Turkey,
it’s region and the world.
SIGN ME UP
You can unsubscribe at any time. By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
AloJapan.com