Do tennis players want their kids to follow their path? This might be a hard question to answer but from Roger Federer’s twin boys, Andre Agassi’s son or Serena Williams’ daughter Olympia, all have shown interest in some sports if not tennis. Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka is in a similar situation after giving birth to Shai last year. Delving into her role as both mother and tennis player, Osaka surprised people with her take on Shai’s tennis learning.

Osaka is all set to play against Ons Jabeur in the Round of 64 at the Canadian Open today. Appearing for the Tennis Insider’s podcast prior to her run, she talked about her daughter Shai. Osaka shared her wish for Shai to learn tennis or play the sport professionally in the future. “So it’s interesting, because before I had her, I definitely wouldn’t have wanted her to play tennis, but now I think it’s a fun thing to do. I feel like tennis has taught me so much, and it’s a good exercise. I don’t know if I would want her to play professionally, but at least for fun. Yeah,” said the Japanese WTA star.

Osaka’s daughter has been one of her life’s biggest sources of motivation. She previously said to Forbes before attending 2024 Brisbane International, “I want to show Shai that she’s capable of everything, so that’s one of my main purposes and main reasons why I want to be back out here.” Osaka’s revelations show her keen interest in introducing Shai to tennis but she doesn’t want to put pressure on her baby girl. Instead of that, she wishes to enjoy tennis as a fun part of their relationship.

Tennis is undoubtedly an integral part of Osaka’s life. With Shai by her side, Osaka has found a new self, more dedicated to performing well for being an inspiration to her daughter. The former number 1 is a doting mother who has had her tiffs with tennis. She changed her mind about drawing a connection between tennis and Shai. But what changed her mind?

Naomi Osaka on how baby Shai keeps her motivated to play tennis

The Olympics comes every 4 years, and each player fights with their entire being. A loss is devastating no matter when it happens as the next version is far away. Osaka, who stepped up to the challenge, lost in the first round to Angelique Kerber. Only playing in women’s singles, Osaka had to fly back home as she looked forward to the next tournament. Although she felt devastated at the early loss, she found her mood uplifted rather quickly.

“I don’t know I was just surrounded by my team and then I went back home and I saw my daughter and I don’t know she’s just happy to be alive. She’s happy that I’m her mom for some reason and it just gave me a lot I guess motivation.” With this motivation, Osaka will step back on the WTA Tour with the Canadian Open. 

With the special connection between Shai and tennis forming already, Osaka will soon take her daughter to the courts and teach her how to swing. For now, she looks to overcome her own adversities.