Naomi Osaka, one of the most prominent figures in women’s tennis, finds herself at a crossroads following a surprising first-round defeat at the Miami Open. The Japanese player, a former Grand Slam champion, was eliminated by Australian Talia Gibson with a score of 7-5, 6-4, in a match where her struggles to find rhythm were evident. This defeat, the latest in a series of underwhelming performances, raises serious questions about the future of her career.
After the match, Osaka, currently ranked 16th, expressed uncertainties about her participation in the clay season. While many athletes are vying for glory on the courts, Osaka is prioritizing her family life, revealing that she is focusing on her two-year-old daughter, Shai. “I feel like this is a dilemma for me,” the tennis player stated during the post-match press conference, where she discussed the challenges of balancing motherhood with a sports career.
Naomi confirmed that she will reduce her schedule on clay, starting only at the Madrid Open. However, the uncertainty about her ability to maintain high performance looms over her mind. “Obviously, I would love to play, but, as I said last year… my daughter is very important, and I want to be the best mother I can be,” Osaka said, emphasizing the complexity of being an elite athlete and a devoted mother. “Sometimes, I feel like I know what I need to do to be a really good player, and it’s very hard.”
The 2026 Miami Open was not a good omen for the tennis player, who also ruled out participating in the Charleston Open, scheduled for March 28, preferring to focus on carefully selected tournaments. “I hope to be able to play Madrid, Rome, and, of course, the French Open,” she explained, demonstrating a strategic approach to managing her career and family.
Since her return to tennis in 2024 after motherhood, Osaka’s trajectory has been marked by challenges. Although she reached the semifinals of the US Open and the final of the Canada Open in Montreal last season, injuries and the demands of motherhood have hindered her progress. She revealed that an abdominal injury, which forced her to withdraw from the Australian Open, is related to her pregnancy, and she has also recently faced back problems. “My girl is getting older,” Osaka joked, keeping a light tone despite the difficulties.
The athlete made it clear that she is not willing to stay on the circuit if losses become a constant. “For me, as I said last year, I won’t stay on the circuit if I’m losing in the first round. I’d rather be a great mother and be there for my daughter,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of her role as a mother in her life. “Because, for me, I want to win titles and be the best player I can be, but if I have to sacrifice too much time with my daughter, I’d rather not do it.”
The story of Naomi Osaka is emblematic of the struggle many athletes face on the WTA circuit, where motherhood brings new challenges. While there are success stories, such as those of Taylor Townsend and Belinda Bencic, who won titles after becoming mothers, Osaka is still trying to find her way. Since her only victory after becoming a mother at the L’Open 35 de Saint-Malo, the tennis player has faced significant difficulties.
The player, who frequently mentions her daughter’s influence on her decisions, states that “my daughter is a source of motivation; she is always on my mind.” With a new focus on motherhood, her mindset regarding tennis has also changed considerably. “Before, I took wins and losses very seriously; they defined me as a person. Now, I see each day as a new opportunity to improve. My most important role is not as a player, but as a mother.”
With uncertainty looming over her participation in the upcoming Madrid Open, Naomi Osaka’s future remains an enigma. What is clear is that, regardless of her decisions, the tennis player is determined to find a balance between her career and motherhood, always keeping her daughter as her top priority. What lies ahead for one of tennis’s biggest stars? Only time will tell.
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