WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka has made it clear: she won’t linger in the sport if her performance doesn’t meet her lofty aspirations.
The 27-year-old tennis sensation is set to make her long-awaited return on Monday at the ASB Tennis Classic in Auckland, following a back injury sustained during the China Open in October.
Speaking at a pre-tournament press conference on Sunday, Osaka expressed her gratitude for the challenges she faced in 2024 as she resumed her professional career after a hiatus of nearly 15 months following the birth of her first child. She concluded the season with a ranking of 58.
“I don’t think I’m the kind of player who would just stick around,” Osaka shared with the media. “I hold immense respect for all my fellow competitors, but at this stage in my life, if I can’t achieve a certain ranking, I see no reason to continue playing for the foreseeable future.”
“If I aren’t where I believe I should be, I’d prefer to spend that time with my daughter,” she added, emphasizing her priorities.
In her comeback season, Osaka ended up with a 22-17 win-loss record, making her way to the quarterfinals in both Doha and s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands.
“2024 has certainly humbled me, but it’s also been a period of significant growth,” she remarked. “I’ve put in more effort than ever before. While it’s painful to not see the results I aimed for, I feel I’m evolving and gaining valuable lessons, which makes me excited for the year ahead in 2025.”
“I had some excellent matches, and people still refer to my encounter with Iga Swiatek at the French Open, which was thrilling despite its outcome (lost 7-6 1-6 7-5). I’m delighted to have created memorable experiences for fans.”
“Though I faced an injury in Beijing, which was my last tournament, I feel optimistic about how that match against Coco Gauff would have unfolded, and I’m eager to return to hardcourt play.”
Osaka has clinched the Australian Open twice (2019 and 2021) and the US Open twice (2018 and 2020). Despite her recent injury challenges, her passion for tennis remains undiminished.
“I’ve been engrossed in tennis since the age of three, and I owe a big part of that to my parents. I never envisioned my life any other way,” she reflected. “When presented with the chance to explore different paths, it dawned on me that my heart truly lies in the game.”
“It was a powerful realization: I thought I was obligated to do this, but in truth, I genuinely love it.”
In her first match of the ASB Classic, Osaka will face off against Lina Glushko from Israel.
