'I'm Playing For Her': Osaka Finds New Tennis Motivation In Motherhood
Naomi Osaka is returning to tennis in about a month, and she has had an added motivation since becoming a mother.
Naomi Osaka is an accomplished tennis player, even though she has always struggled with motivating herself. She's a competitor and enjoys doing that but never really derived any motivation to play for herself.
That perspective has shifted a bit now that she's a mother and is responsible for her daughter. For many, their kid becomes their entire world, and everything they do is geared towards their well-being.
Many new parents go through it, the realization that it's no longer just them in the world; it's this new being they must raise. The comeback is on schedule and will happen at the Brisbane International in less than a month, and she's excited about it.
Fans are excited to see this new, motivated Osaka after her last outings before the break looked rather rough.
I've never been a person that's really good at playing for myself, if that makes sense. So I kind of like the feeling of having the responsibility of having to take care of Shai and wanting to show her around the world. I kind of feel more like I'm playing for her.
It's been a long time since Osaka last played, so there will be some rustiness, and things certainly won't go smoothly initially, but she's been spectacular in Australia over the years, so maybe she will find something electric there.
Tennis would greatly benefit from Osaka returning to her best because we have several really great players right now with Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabelenka, Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula, and adding Osaka into the mix could see interest in the sport explode.
We'll find out in about a month so stick around.
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