Osaka Says Daughter Could Shape Tennis Future
Naomi Osaka said her three-year-old daughter Shai could influence how long she continues playing professional tennis.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Tennis
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Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam singles champion and former world No. 1, told reporters in Tokyo that her daughter's feelings could affect her decision on how long to keep playing. Osaka said she would not ignore Shai if the child asked her to travel less.
Why it matters
Osaka's comments highlight the tension many elite athletes face between professional commitments and family life. Her career has included a 15-month break after Shai's birth, and her remarks suggest the balance remains an open question.
Osaka has won four Grand Slam singles titles, including the US Open in 2018 and 2020 and the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021. She returned to tennis in 2023 after 15 months away following Shai's birth.
The players
Naomi Osaka
A Japanese tennis player who has won four Grand Slam singles titles and reached the world No. 1 ranking, and who has spoken openly about mental health and balancing motherhood with her career.
The details
Speaking in Tokyo ahead of the Pan Pacific Open on October 25, 2026, Osaka said she often thinks about how much longer she wants to play. She said she felt optimistic about 2027 but did not commit to a specific timeline.
Timeline
2018: Osaka won her first US Open title.
2019: Osaka won her first Australian Open title.
2021: Osaka stepped away from tennis to focus on her mental health.
2023: Osaka returned to tennis after 15 months away.
October 25, 2026: Osaka spoke to reporters in Tokyo.
Season Trajectory
Osaka's 2021 withdrawal from press obligations and mental-health break set a precedent for athletes openly discussing their limits. Her latest comments extend that conversation, now centered on how motherhood could shape the length of her career.
For tennis followers, Osaka's comments mean her schedule for 2027 is still undecided, which affects how she may be seeded and which tournaments she commits to. Fantasy and betting markets tied to her entries may remain uncertain until she announces a plan.
The takeaway
Athletes balancing parenthood and professional careers often make decisions in stages rather than all at once. Osaka's remarks show that family input can be a real factor in those choices, even for a player at the peak of her career.
Further reading
Explore more coverage in our Tennis section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Times of India.
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If your family asked you to travel less, would you cut back your career?
