Naomi Osaka went down against Talia Gibson in the Round of 64 clash at the Miami Open. Gibson won in straight sets, marking another tournament for Osaka where she suffered an early exit. Previously at the Indian Wells Masters, she was defeated by Aryna Sabalenka in the Round of 16.
Osaka is yet to win a Grand Slam since becoming a mother. She won four Grand Slams before giving birth in 2023. She took a 15-month break to recover from her pregnancy and returned to competitive tennis in 2024. However, she has been a shadow of herself after returning with no major victories to show for.
Recently, following her early exit in Miami, Osaka revealed the dilemma she faces as she tries to balance motherhood with competitive tennis.
“I feel like this also is a dilemma for me,” Osaka said. “Obviously, I would love to play, but like I said last year … for me, my daughter is very important, and I want to be a mum. I want to be the best mum I can, but sometimes I feel like I know what I have to do to become a really good player, and it’s very difficult… For me, like I said last year, I’m not going to stay on tour if I’m losing in the first round.”
Fans reacted to this harshly. Many believe Osaka is throwing too many tantrums and is focusing less on tennis.
“She talking like she some random scrub and not a top 20 player who recently made a slam semi and masters 1000 final. Girl put your head down and keep on keeping on,” one fan wrote.
“Do what you gotta do… tired of the drama,” one fan reacted.
“good by, you had a nice run years ago, don’t let the door hit you on the way out. Now she uses the kid for an excuse,” another commented.
“She’s extremely soft!” one fan wrote.
“She is done no more runs for her,” another added.
“Get the hell out of the game and stop wrecking the sport!” one fan said.
“She needs to go to lunch with Mrs Venus Williams Andrea Preti for counselling on how to handle losses and keep moving,” one fan suggested.
Will Naomi Osaka Play Charleston Open to Begin Clay Season?
The road to Roland Garros starts with the Charleston Open, marking the first clay tournament of the season. Naomi Osaka has already confirmed that she won’t participate in the Charleston Open but hopes to play in Madrid, Rome and finally the French Open.
“I’m not going to play Charleston. I hope I can play Madrid, Rome and then obviously the French Open,” Osaka said.
Osaka is in the middle of a difficult season. After her latest comments, in which she prioritizes motherhood, many skeptics are thinking Osaka could retire soon.
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