Naomi Osaka wasn't one of those players that thought of playing as a mother because to her it seemed like that would be the end of her career.
The Japanese player certainly didn't expect to be a mother and compete on the WTA Tour as a 25-year-old, but it's been a blessing so far, and she's embraced it fully. Posting a life update, Osaka said that she can't wait for this new chapter of her life, and it's here.
The pregnancy went well, she gave birth and, as of recently, is training to get back to the tennis courts. Speaking on the Mountaintop Conversations podcast, Osaka admitted that she never expected to play tennis as a mother.
Actually, there was a lot of pressure I felt for me. For me, I always had the assumption that if you have a kid, it’s basically the end of your career. I don’t really see a lot of women on the tennis tour with kids. They are usually a bit older, and it just seems like a very hard taxing on your body.
The recent success of Elina Svitolina as a mother is a positive sign for all those thinking about becoming mothers. You can give birth and return to the top. It's hard, it's taxing but it's possible if you really give it your all. Osaka will attempt that when she comes back to the sport next year.
I just never really thought if I had a kid, I’d go back on the tour. But I feel like it was a magical moment for me. It just made me think of all the things I love and appreciate and it just made me really want to work hard… I’ve played tennis since I was three and I want to appreciate the time that I can still play.
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