Osaka 'not far off' her best but often ponders future
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka says she is returning to her best form but would consider quitting the game if asked to by her three-year-old daughter.
Naomi Osaka, the 29-year-old Japanese tennis star, admits she is not far off reaching the level of her previous success, but often ponders her future. She won both the US Open and Australian Open twice, between 2018 and 2021, and climbed to the number one spot in the world. However, Osaka took a break from tennis in 2021 to focus on her mental health and a further 15 months after giving birth, returning in 2023 with her three-year-old daughter, Shai.
Despite her current success, Osaka contemplates quitting tennis if Shai requests it. She said, "I m not the type of person to ignore that." Osaka acknowledges that her mindset has evolved with age and the responsibilities of parenthood, prioritizing her daughter's needs. She remains proud of her achievements and is seventh seed at this week's Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, where she faces Italy's Jasmine Paolini in the opening round.
Osaka has battled her way back to the world's top 20 and is confident she is not far off winning titles again.
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