Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka has revealed how motherhood has transformed her perspective on tennis, sharing her journey as a new mother in the lead-up to the 2026 US Open. Osaka, who welcomed her daughter Shai in July 2023 with ex-boyfriend Cordae, spoke candidly about balancing her responsibilities as a mother and a professional athlete while addressing reporters on August 29th.
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Osaka, who has clinched four Grand Slam titles throughout her career, expressed that her primary role now revolves around being a mother. “I think people forget my main job is to be a mum. This [tennis] is kind of like my side hustle a little bit. I just happen to be really good at it,” she stated, highlighting the shift in her priorities since the arrival of her daughter.
After a brief hiatus from competition, which included her withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open due to exhaustion, Osaka is back on the courts in New York. She has noted that the surface at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center is one she feels particularly at ease on, stating, “Honestly, this is the surface that I’m most comfortable with.”
Osaka shared a heartwarming glimpse into her life with Shai, revealing that her daughter has taken a liking to tennis. “She loves swinging her little mini racket around,” Osaka said. Although Shai has yet to step onto a full-sized court, Osaka believes that exposing children to sports can impart valuable life lessons. “I feel like it teaches you a lot,” she explained, emphasising the discipline and character-building aspects of sporting activities.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE before the 2025 US Open, Osaka admitted to having different expectations of her career post-childbirth. Initially contemplating retirement, she found herself re-inspired during her pregnancy. “While I was pregnant, I was kind of very inspired,” she remarked. “I also wanted my daughter to be able to see me play tennis. It was such a big part of my life and I feel like she doesn’t know it, but she definitely inspired me to continue.”
Reflecting on her performance, Osaka reached the semifinals of the US Open last year, ultimately being defeated by Amanda Anisimova. Now, as she gears up for her first match against Anastasia Zakharova on August 31st, her focus remains shared between the sport and her role as a mother.
Her public commitment to both her family and tennis has resonated with fans, who are eager to see how this new phase of life shapes her career. The 28-year-old athlete’s candid approach regarding her dual role underscores the complexities faced by working mothers in any field, especially in the demanding world of professional sports.
As Osaka prepares to face her opponent in what promises to be a competitive match, the tennis world watches closely, celebrating not only her athletic prowess but also her journey through motherhood. With her daughter Shai as a source of inspiration, many are eager to see how Osaka’s unique perspective will influence her performance on the court in the seasons to come.