Why is Naomi Osaka considering stepping away from tennis?

Naomi Osaka is considering stepping away from tennis because she is no longer willing to sacrifice time with her daughter for her career, especially after an early exit at the 2026 Miami Open.

When was Naomi Osaka's daughter born?

Naomi Osaka's daughter, Shai, was born in July 2023.

What are Naomi Osaka's plans for the clay season?

Naomi Osaka plans to play in the upcoming clay season, aiming for tournaments in Madrid, Rome, and the French Open, but will skip Charleston.

Home / Sports / Osaka Considers Stepping Away After Early Miami Open Exit

Osaka Considers Stepping Away After Early Miami Open Exit

29 Mar

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Summary

Osaka lost early at the 2026 Miami Open to Talia Gibson.
She expressed a desire to prioritize being a mother over tennis.
Osaka plans to play in the clay season but may take more breaks.

Osaka Considers Stepping Away After Early Miami Open Exit

Naomi Osaka's early exit from the 2026 Miami Open has sparked discussions about her future in tennis. The 16th-seeded player was surprisingly defeated by qualifier Talia Gibson on March 21, just days before the current date of March 29, 2026. Following the match, Osaka candidly shared her personal reflections, indicating a potential shift in her priorities.

Osaka, a mother to her daughter Shai since July 2023, articulated that she is unwilling to sacrifice time with her child for her tennis career. "I'm not going to stay on tour if I'm losing in the first round... I'd rather just be a great mom and be there for my daughter," she stated. Despite these sentiments, Osaka has not made a final decision to retire, confirming her intention to participate in the upcoming clay court season, including potential appearances in Madrid, Rome, and the French Open, though she will skip Charleston.