Osaka open to retiring if daughter wishes, says four-time Grand Slam winner

Naomi Osaka has signalled a willingness to prioritise her family over her tennis career, suggesting she would retire if her daughter asked her to do so. The Japanese champion, who has won four Grand Slam titles, has demonstrated a commitment to balancing motherhood with professional demands throughout her career.

Osaka took a 15-month hiatus from competitive tennis after giving birth, stepping back from the pressures of the professional circuit to focus on her family. She returned to tournament play in 2023, resuming her competitive schedule while managing her responsibilities as a parent.

The 26-year-old's comments reflect a broader shift in how elite athletes approach work-life balance. Her willingness to consider retirement based on her daughter's preferences underscores the importance she places on family relationships over career achievements, even at the highest level of professional sport.

Osaka's approach stands in contrast to the traditional expectations placed on professional athletes to prioritise their careers above all other considerations. Her openness about potentially stepping away from tennis signals evolving attitudes towards parenting and professional ambition among world-class competitors.