In a recent interview with The National, tennis sensation Naomi Osaka shared insights into her motivations, motherhood journey, and a renewed perspective on her professional tennis career. The former world No. 1 and four-time Grand Slam champion discussed her decision to include the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open in her schedule and reflected on the impact of motherhood on her mindset.
Osaka, who faced challenges during the Australian Open, revealed that her decision to play in Abu Dhabi was fueled by a desire to bounce back from a less-than-ideal performance in Australia. She expressed the importance of playing as many matches as possible to find her rhythm, stating, “I think I need to play as many matches as possible, and I’m hoping that I’m able to find a rhythm here.”
Since arriving in Abu Dhabi, Osaka has embraced cultural experiences, including visits to the Louvre Abu Dhabi and spending time in the desert, emphasizing her commitment to making the most of her tennis trips. As a new mother to her daughter, Shai, born in July 2023, Osaka expressed the joy of traveling again after maternity leave, stating, “It feels really nice to be the one to be on adventures again.”
Osaka’s dedication to balancing her time off the court with professional success is evident, with a focus on ensuring her daughter sees her efforts to create a better life. She acknowledged the challenges and pressure that come with high expectations but emphasized her commitment to giving her best, regardless of the outcomes.
Despite a challenging return to competition in Australia, Osaka maintains ambitious goals for her comeback, aiming to add more Grand Slam titles to her impressive record. She acknowledged a slight self-doubt following the Australian tournaments but remains confident in her continuous improvement, stating, “I still think my level is improving every day, and I hope that I will be better.”
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka is here! Enjoying the desert dunes in Abu Dhabi 🇦🇪#Mubadala #InAbuDhabi #AbuDhabiSC#NaomiOsaka #WTA pic.twitter.com/P7AOMLAgKO
— Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open (@MubadalaADOpen) February 3, 2024
Osaka’s comeback faces a tough opening match in Abu Dhabi against American qualifier Danielle Collins, a former world No. 7 and the 2022 Australian Open finalist. Osaka acknowledges the potential for difficult losses on her journey back to top form but remains optimistic, focusing on taking it one day at a time.
The interview delves into Osaka’s personal struggles with mental health, her perspective on the challenges of balancing motherhood with a professional tennis career, and her evolving mindset towards the longevity of her playing career. Osaka expressed gratitude for the presence of role models like Serena Williams and Li Na, emphasizing the importance of their continued influence on the sport.
In a closing remark, Osaka shared her desire to be remembered as “someone who is very curious,” reflecting a multifaceted identity that extends beyond the tennis court. Her journey continues to unfold, marked by resilience, ambition, and a commitment to embracing life both on and off the court.
Naomi Osaka in 2024
At the moment ranked no.757, Naomi played her last match on the 15th of January when she was overcome by world no.21 Caroline Garcia 6-4 7-6(2) in the 1st round of the Australian Open (draw).
Currently, during this year the Japanese has achieved an overall 1-2 win-loss record.
Osaka is scheduled to play next in Doha (Qatar TotalEnergies Open). She will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 12th of February.
