“I Still Have a Deep Love for Tennis”, Naomi Osaka Says as She Eyes Comeback
In a heartfelt revelation at the Auckland Classic, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka expressed her unwavering passion for tennis and her excitement for the upcoming season. The 27-year-old Japanese star, who welcomed her daughter Shai in July 2023, has faced challenges since returning to the court in January, struggling with consistency and injuries. However, she remains determined to reclaim her former glory.
Osaka’s journey back to tennis has not been smooth. Since her return, she has made two quarterfinal appearances, experiences she described as “very painful.” Yet, reflecting on her tumultuous 2024 season, she acknowledged the lessons learned along the way. “I think 2024 humbled me, but I also grew a lot,” Osaka stated. “I worked harder than I ever have before, and though it was painful not to get the results I wanted, I feel like I am growing and learning.”
As she gears up for the Australian Open, a tournament she won in both 2019 and 2021, Osaka is using the Auckland Classic as a springboard to launch her campaign. “I’m really excited for this year. I played some really good matches in 2024,” she remarked, showcasing her optimism.
Osaka’s season was prematurely cut short by injury in October, following just one tournament under the guidance of renowned coach Patrick Mouratoglou, who previously coached tennis legend Serena Williams. Now ranked 58th in the world, Osaka is focused on the future and the inner fire that fuels her competitive spirit. “What keeps me going in tennis is stepping on the court and learning something new every day,” she explained. “I love to win tournaments, to win matches, to play the best players in the world and see what I can achieve.”
When asked about her drive to return to the top, Osaka responded with conviction. “Yeah, definitely. A year or two back, I didn’t know whether I wanted to play again. It was such a fast whirlwind when people first knew about me; I didn’t really have time to breathe,” she said. “Having time with my family and my daughter has given me the space to understand that I have a deep love for tennis.”
However, Osaka is realistic about her career path, stating she does not intend to linger on the tour without achieving her goals. “I don’t think I am the type of player that would hang around,” she cautioned. “If I’m not above a certain ranking, I don’t see myself playing. I’d rather spend time with my daughter if I’m not where I think I should be and where I believe I can be.”
As the new season approaches, Naomi Osaka stands at a crossroads, eager to prove herself once again on the tennis court while balancing her newfound role as a mother.
