In a moment of candor during a recent podcast interview, tennis superstar Naomi Osaka expressed her doubts about returning to the sport after having a child. The four-time Grand Slam champion shared her concerns, stating that she had always assumed motherhood would mark the end of her illustrious career. However, her honest remarks unleashed a wave of outrage on Twitter, with fans expressing their dissenting views.
Despite the online backlash, Osaka’s dedication and commitment to the sport has been evident through her rigorous training, indicating a potential early return to the WTA Tour.
Fans’ outrage on Naomi Osaka’s bold motherhood reflection
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During a recent episode of “Mountaintop Conversations with Saysh,” Naomi Osaka honestly discussed her uncertainties about continuing her tennis career after becoming a mother. In her own words, she said, “I always assumed that having a kid would mean the end of my career. I haven’t seen many women on the tennis tour with kids. They’re usually a bit older. And like, it just seems very hard and taxing on your body. Yeah. And I just never really thought like, if I had a kid, would I go back on the tour? Like, I was had that question in my head.”
Naomi Osaka didn’t think she’d return to tennis after having a kid:
“I had the assumption if you have a kid it’s the end of your career..I never thought if I had a kid I’d go back to tour.. but I’ve played tennis since I was 3. I want to appreciate the time I can still play” ❤️ pic.twitter.com/7uvvVA4Llw
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 5, 2023
Her straightforward remarks immediately caught the attention of fans and followers on Twitter, who began to voice their dissent. A prominent tennis update page on Twitter shared Osaka’s words, leading to a torrent of reactions from fans all around the world.
One fan questioned Osaka’s assumptions by pointing out successful tennis players who managed both motherhood and their careers: “Serena, Vika, Svitolina, Clijsters, Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong… they all would like a word… Unless ‘their careers were over’ ?? 🙄.”
Serena, Vika, Svitolina, Clijsters, Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong… they all would like a word…
Unless “their careers were over” ?? 🙄— Amy Lundy Dahl (@AmyLundyDahl) August 5, 2023
Another Twitter user seemed particularly frustrated, labeling Osaka as “the most annoying person on tour” while criticizing her fan base: “Literally the most annoying person on tour. Her fans are the second worst.”
Literally the most annoying person on tour. Her fans are the second worst
— John Driver (@DriverESPN) August 5, 2023
A third fan suggested that Osaka could seek advice from other players who balanced motherhood and their careers, saying, “Should take some advice from Svitolina.”
Should take some advice from Svitolina
— 🐺 (@SilentWolvezzzz) August 5, 2023
One user sarcastically expressed doubt about Osaka’s return to the tour: “Be ready for more whining 😥.”
Be ready for more whining 😥
— Shari Strubin-Whittaker (@wallstreetshari) August 5, 2023
A fan exclaimed, “She didn’t quit because she had a “kid”. She quit because she couldn’t handle the pressure,” assuming Osaka couldn’t handle the pressure of the current wave of players and she’s using her child as an excuse to not play.
She didn’t quit because she had a “kid”. She quit because she couldn’t handle the pressure.
— ProudAmerican🇺🇸 (@Dark13592578J) August 5, 2023
Another fan added to the narrative, stating, “I mean she literally has paid no attention to all the women who have done it I guess.”
I mean she literally has paid no attention to all the women who have done it I guess https://t.co/vp5LcEllNR
— Stephanie Myles (@OpenCourt) August 5, 2023
A fan went to an extent and labeled Osaka a ‘drama queen’ – “Maybe the biggest drama queen on @WTA will return soon.”
Maybe the biggest drama queen on @WTA will return soon. https://t.co/INuhI56mFf
— Black Bet (@BllackBett) August 6, 2023
Whereas one fan strayed from the topic and hoped for a Swiatek v Osaka final at U.S. Open 2023
US open final.
Swiatek v Osaka ? https://t.co/vVmoii1mFA
— 🇺🇦🇪🇺Geoff#IMeHeYouRejoinEU (@garside_geoff) August 5, 2023
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According to the podcast, from an early age of 3, Osaka displayed her passion for tennis. Her relentless pursuit of excellence and resilience on the court earned her numerous accolades, establishing her as one of the sport’s elite players. Although she expressed doubts, the tennis sensation didn’t let them deter her progress.
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Naomi Osaka’s candid revelation about her doubts regarding a tennis career after motherhood has stirred a heated debate among fans on Twitter. While some have criticized her assumptions, others admire her honesty and determination to prove herself wrong.
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