LONDON — Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka recently opened up about how motherhood has reshaped her priorities, revealing that her daughter, Shai, was the reason she rushed home after her early exit from Wimbledon this year. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who returned to the sport in 2024 after a maternity break, shared the heartwarming story in a candid interview.
Osaka, 26, made her comeback to professional tennis earlier this year, balancing the demands of elite competition with her new role as a mother. While she had hoped for a deeper run at Wimbledon, her first-round loss to France’s Diane Parry didn’t dampen her spirits—thanks to her daughter’s irresistible pull. "I missed her so much. The second I lost, all I could think about was getting back to her," Osaka admitted.
A New Perspective on Tennis and Motherhood
Osaka, once known for her laser focus on the court, now approaches the game with a different mindset. "Before Shai, tennis was everything. Now, it’s still important, but it’s not the only thing. She’s given me a sense of balance I didn’t know I needed," she reflected. The former world No. 1 acknowledged that while her competitive fire remains, her daughter has helped her embrace losses with more grace.
The Japanese-Haitian athlete, who welcomed Shai in July 2023 with her partner, rapper Cordae, has been vocal about the challenges of juggling motherhood and professional sports. "It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Every smile from her makes the tough days better," she said.
The Rush Home After Wimbledon
Osaka’s early Wimbledon exit, while disappointing, came with a silver lining: more time with Shai. "I was on the first flight home. Normally, I’d stay to analyze my match, but this time, all I wanted was to hold her," she shared. The tennis star described how her daughter’s presence has become her ultimate comfort, especially after tough losses.
Her candidness about prioritizing family over post-match routines resonated with fans worldwide. Many praised her for normalizing the idea that athletes—especially mothers—can have multifaceted lives beyond their sport. "It’s okay to want both. You don’t have to choose," Osaka emphasized.
How Motherhood Changed Her Game
Osaka revealed that becoming a mother has influenced her approach to tennis in unexpected ways:
- Patience: "I’ve learned to take things one step at a time, both on and off the court."
- Resilience: "Shai reminds me that setbacks don’t define you."
- Joy: "Playing feels lighter now. I remember why I love it."
She also credited her support system, including Cordae and her team, for helping her navigate this new chapter. "I couldn’t do this without them. They make sure I’m present for Shai while still chasing my dreams."
Looking Ahead: The Olympics and Beyond
With the Paris Olympics on the horizon, Osaka is determined to represent Japan with pride—but not at the expense of missing precious moments with her daughter. "I want to win, but I also want Shai to see me happy and balanced. That’s the example I want to set for her."
She hinted that Shai might even make an appearance at some tournaments, blending her two worlds. "I love the idea of her growing up around tennis, seeing what hard work looks like."
A Message to Fellow Athlete Moms
Osaka ended the interview with words of encouragement for other athlete mothers. "It’s okay to feel torn sometimes. You’re not alone. What matters is that you’re showing up—for your sport, for your kids, and for yourself."
Her honesty has struck a chord, proving that even champions like Osaka face the universal struggles of parenthood. As she continues her comeback, one thing is clear: Shai will always be her biggest motivation. "She’s my why now. Everything I do is for her."