In an interview with tennis player Nick Kyrgios, Naomi Osaka discussed how motherhood has altered her approach to the game. In July 2023, Osaka and rapper Cordae welcomed daughter Shai into the world. Kyrgios asked Osaka about her thoughts on being a professional tennis player now that she is a mother.
In response, Osaka said she was busy with the idea of returning to Shai as soon as possible, especially after a practice session, even if in her earlier years she used to be able to pass the time while training.
Osaka expressed her thoughts about it and said: “So far like practice-wise? I just feel like I don’t have time to waste, so I’m trying to be efficient with everything. And I think when I was younger I could hit for like three hours and kind of waste time in the middle or whatever. But now I know someone is waiting for me at home and I have to take care of her. So right now I just feel like every second counts.”
She added: “Understanding the importance of time is a skill I improved on after having Shai, things that used to bother me don’t bother me anymore. I don’t have time for it. In that same aspect, I feel I don’t have time to mope after losses anymore, the world moves on and I have to continue to walk forward.”
Naomi Osaka Says She Doesn't Have 'Time to Waste' Since Becoming Mom to Daughter Shai: 'Every Second Counts' https://t.co/gBoZZ4xYk8
— People (@people) April 17, 2024
Naomi Osaka in 2024
Ranked no.192, Naomi played her last match on the 17th of April when she surrendered to world no.78 Martina Trevisan 6-4 6-2 in the 1st round in Rouen (draw).
This season the Japanese has achieved an overall 8-7 record.
Osaka has scheduled to play next in Madrid (Mutua Madrid Open). She will start the tournament from the main draw that will commence on the 22nd of April.
