Naomi Osaka confesses she felt pregnancy was end of her career as she looks to make a comeback

Naomi Osaka opens up about her unique perspective on motherhood in the world of professional sports.


Naomi Osaka confesses she felt pregnancy was end of her career as she looks to make a comeback

Naomi Osaka (Image via The New York Times)

in the modern world of tennis, it has become a notable trend for female players to become mothers and then successfully return to the sport, maintaining a high level of play. This comeback was once deemed nearly impossible, but now many players have proven that motherhood does not have to be a barrier to a successful tennis career.

The success stories of multiple tennis players on the women’s tour, such as Kim Clijsters, Serena Williams, and Sania Mirza, who have become mothers and then returned to the sport at a high level, have shattered the notion that it’s an unattainable feat. Recently Naomi Osaka also became a mother recently and now hopes to come back.

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At the peak of her career, Naomi Osaka was an unstoppable force, reigning as the dominant number 1 on the WTA Tour and clinching multiple Grand Slam titles and numerous prestigious events. However, she surprised many by choosing to take a break from the tour to start a family, and now, as she welcomes her first child, she is preparing to make a remarkable comeback and shine on the tour once again. This decision was not always in her plans.

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She has different ideas of an athlete becoming a mother. She said, “I had the assumption if you have a kid it’s the end of your career..I never thought if I had a kid I’d go back to tour.. but I’ve played tennis since I was 3. I want to appreciate the time I can still play.” She clearly thought that a player’s career would end after starting a family however now her ideas have changed. She also said that she started playing at a very small age and now she wants to play as long as possible.

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Naomi Osaka prepares to mount a comeback in 2024

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Naomi Osaka (Image via Sports Illustrated)

After welcoming her first child last month, Naomi Osaka has made the decision to make a comeback on the tennis tour. With the 2024 Australian Open as her target, an event she triumphed in back in 2021, she now has a few months to work towards regaining her physical peak and shining at the tournament.

Prioritizing her fitness, Osaka recognizes the challenges of returning to being an athlete after going through the demanding journey of pregnancy and is dedicated to getting back to her best form.

Osaka’s tennis skills are formidable, but the fitness aspect may pose a challenge after her recent pregnancy. Nevertheless, she is determined to overcome this obstacle and is keen to excel at the Australian Open, which serves as an excellent platform for her to regain her form.

While immediate victories may not be expected due to some rust in her game, if she remains physically resilient and actively participates in tournaments, there is no doubt she will steadily climb back to the top of the rankings.

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