Naomi Osaka Reveals Shocking Post Tokyo Retirement Idea Ahead of Her Comeback – ‘Like All My Joy Went Away’

Tennis star Naomi Osaka made a shocking revelation about her retirement from tennis after the Tokyo Olympics. Osaka, who has been off the court for her motherhood sojourn, is returning to professional tennis with the upcoming Brisbane International. However, in a recent revelation, Naomi Osaka divulged how, after the Tokyo Olympics, she felt a sudden setback in terms of her professional overtures, aka tennis.

This twenty-six-year-old tennis star became a third runner-up in the 2020 Olympics. After that, she gave birth to her daughter Shai with her partner, rapper Cordae. Osaka’s journey balancing motherhood with tennis has been truly remarkable. Now, in a recent press conference, she delves into the details of her challenges as a mother and a tennis player.

Naomi Osaka delves into walking a tightrope vis-à-vis tennis and motherhood

The Tokyo Olympics’ disheartening performance truly left Naomi Osaka in a bit of a downward spiral. In a recent interview, when she was asked about feeling like leaving tennis anytime, Osaka made a shocking revelation. She said- “Yeah, I would say right after Tokyo for, like, a month maybe I was thinking about it because I felt like all my joy went away for the sport. I felt like it kind of wasn’t fair, both for the people watching and myself. But then I thought, like, I’ve played tennis since I was 3, and there’s so many more things that I want to do.” 

Bringing her child’s reference, Osaka expressed how she wanted Shai to have a great role model. Osaka commented- “Especially with Shai, I want her to see, like, someone that has big goals and dreams. I think that’s really important to have really good role models.
Also, just learning how to appreciate the sport. I think in the time I had away, I appreciated the sport a lot more. After giving birth, I understood how physical and how much work it takes to get there.”

Despite recalling her challenges with balancing tennis and motherhood, Osaka seemed confident about her upcoming tournament. She further added- “But, yeah, definitely I feel like I’m a different person with a different mindset.”

What are Naomi Osaka’s biggest achievements?

American tennis star, Naomi Osaka is a true rising star of tennis. She has been the winner of the Australian Open in both 2019 and 2021. Osaka also bagged the trophy of the US Open in 2018 and 2020. She has been a runner-up for the WTA finals in 2018 and 2019. Not to mention, Osaka’s tennis journey has been incredible.

Read more: Naomi Osaka Falls Back on Her Proud Japanese Heritage as She Shows True Gratitude in Naming Her Infant Baby

Naomi Osaka’s recent revelation tells the truth about working mothers. However, the way she challenged the odds to come back to professional tennis was nothing less than inspirational to her fans. There’s much in store for her progressing forward in full fervour, hopefully keeping the woes of motherhood behind.

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