“I don’t only have to rely on tennis,” Naomi Osaka finally opens up about her off-court endeavors that ‘changed’ her life

Naomi Osaka talked about her involvement in things other than tennis and how she proved that she can excel in other fields too.

“I don’t only have to rely on tennis,” Naomi Osaka finally opens up about her off-court endeavors that ‘changed’ her life

Naomi Osaka ( Credits: People Magazine)

Naomi Osaka is among the highest-paid female athletes in the world and there are reasons for that. While Osaka earns a chunk of her money from tennis, there are several other sources that fetch Osaka a hefty sum. The 26-year-old is involved with quite a few ventures and she spent a lot of time working on them during her pregnancy. Osaka has talked about them in detail.

As the former World No.1 prepares to give her best on the court at the WTA 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi, Osaka looked back at the time she was away from tennis. The Japanese ace said that not doing what she loves made her look for different opportunities and she proved that she could excel in other fields too.

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Osaka talked about her work with ventures like Evolve and Hana Kuma. The Japanese also mentioned the time she spent designing for Nike and then stated that it made her feel that she does not have to necessarily rely on tennis.

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I had to take time off from tennis to have Shai, I was able to prove to myself that not only could I excel in the sport I love, but I could also do meaningful things off the court. That was a big turning point for me. Forming Evolve and Hana Kuma, developing Kinlò, designing for Nike — it all reminded me that I don’t only have to rely on tennis.
Naomi Osaka said to The National.

Naomi Osaka talks about her love for traveling

The Japanese tennis ace also talked about her love for traveling. Naomi Osaka revealed how she could not travel much during her pregnancy and other people around her going places made her want it even more. Osaka said that she is enjoying being able to move back and forth again. Osaka said that she is loving her time in Abu Dhabi.

Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka in action during a match. (credits: www.asahi.com)
I realize that traveling is something that makes me really happy and I guess while I was pregnant, I was told to not travel and it’s not too healthy to be on the plane. So I was kind of seeing everyone around me travel a lot and I think it feels really nice to be the one to be on adventures again. It’s so beautiful here and I’ve also never been to Abu Dhabi. So I just want to soak it in as much as I can.
Naomi Osaka said to The National.

Coming back to Osaka’s tennis, she missed out on tennis action for over a year due to the birth of her first child. The Japanese ace has now made a comeback but the start has been scratchy. Osaka bowed out from Brisbane International, her comeback tournament in the second round while she had to suffer a first-round exit at the 2024 Australian Open.

Now, Osaka has given herself a chance to bounce back with the WTA 500 event in Abu Dhabi. However, the draw is not easy for Osaka yet again as she is set to face Danielle Collins in the first round. Osaka will face Elena Rybakina if she makes it to the second round. It is to be seen how the former World No.1 fares at this tournament.

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