Naomi Osaka’s return to professional tennis in 2024, after becoming a mother, did not meet expectations. The four-time Grand Slam champion struggled across all major tournaments, failing to advance beyond the second round in any. She also faced difficulties at key events like the Abu Dhabi Open, Qatar Total Open, Indian Wells, Miami Open, Cincinnati Open, and the China Open, ending the year without a title. Despite improving her ranking from unranked to No. 58, Osaka expressed dissatisfaction with her overall performance. Speculation has arisen about a potential early retirement if her struggles persist.
Osaka is preparing to begin her 2025 season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, where she will face Israel’s Lina Glushko in the first round. Given her past success as a two-time Australian Open champion in 2019 and 2021, expectations are high for her to win the match and improve her WTA ranking. However, the event may also reveal how long she intends to continue her tennis career, especially as her perspective has shifted since giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in 2023.
In a recent interview, Osaka hinted at her changing priorities. Speaking about her future in tennis, she stated, “I don’t think I’m the type of player that would hang around.” She explained that if she doesn’t reach a certain level in the rankings, she might step away from the sport to focus on her family. “I’d rather spend time with my daughter if I’m not where I think I should be,” she said, emphasizing that her daughter’s well-being is now a top priority.
Reflecting on motherhood, Osaka shared how the experience has fundamentally transformed her life. In a January 2024 interview, she explained, “My world turned into a completely different world in one night.” She added that motherhood has given her greater emotional resilience, increased her pain tolerance, and diminished her concern for others’ opinions.
Despite her struggles in 2024, Osaka managed to compile a 22-17 singles record, with quarterfinal appearances in Doha and s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands. Reflecting on the year, she admitted it was humbling but also highlighted personal growth. “I worked way harder than I’ve ever worked before,” she said. Although the results didn’t meet her expectations, she noted that she played some strong matches, including a memorable French Open second-round clash against Iga Swiatek.
Osaka has also been candid about how motherhood has influenced her perspective. In a recent interview, she revealed that her daughter motivates her to keep going, describing freedom as “being able to spend time with my daughter, to see joy in her eyes, and to know that no other outside voice matters.”
Injuries further compounded Osaka’s challenges in 2024. A back injury sustained during the China Open in October forced her to withdraw from several tournaments, effectively ending her season early. She has since been in recovery and has shared updates on her progress through social media.
Osaka has also made significant changes to her support team. After parting ways with her former coach Wim Fissette, she began working with Patrick Mouratoglou, who previously coached Serena Williams. Mouratoglou is expected to help Osaka regain her form and aim for the top spot in women’s tennis.
As Osaka enters the new season, her focus remains on the ASB Classic in Auckland, a tournament she hasn’t competed in for seven years. Despite never having won the title there, she is determined to make a strong comeback. However, she has acknowledged that her passion for the sport has waned somewhat. “After becoming a mum, my question has shifted to a really simple one, which is, win or lose, am I still really loving playing the game?” she said.
The upcoming season will be pivotal for Osaka as she balances her career ambitions with her commitment to her family. Whether she can reclaim her former glory or decides to prioritize her personal life remains to be seen.