Sport · Malaysia Bureau
Osaka open to retirement if daughter requests reduced travel schedule
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has indicated she would seriously consider stepping away from professional tennis if her young daughter expressed a desire for her to spend more time at home. The Japanese star said family priorities could outweigh her sporting ambitions.
LSN Malaysia ·
Naomi Osaka, one of the sport's most decorated players, has revealed she would be willing to retire from professional tennis should her three-year-old daughter Shai ask her to reduce her demanding travel schedule.
The 26-year-old Japanese star, who has won four Grand Slam titles, emphasized that her family commitments remain paramount in her decision-making. The constant globe-trotting required by professional tennis has long been a challenge for athletes balancing parenthood with elite competition.
Osaka's comments reflect broader discussions within professional sports about work-life balance and the sacrifices demanded by top-level competition. She took a break from tennis in 2021 to focus on her mental health, citing the pressures of the sport and media scrutiny.
The tennis champion's willingness to prioritize her daughter's wellbeing underscores a shift in attitudes among elite athletes regarding family and career planning. Whether such a scenario materializes remains uncertain, as Osaka continues her professional career while managing motherhood.