Time is "running out" for Naomi Osaka, says Martina Navratilova

Nine-time Wimbledon champion, Martina Navratilova, has issued a word of warning to Naomi Osaka about her future position as one of the world's leading players.

Speaking to press ahead of the WTA Finals last week, the all-time great expressed concern that success had perhaps come too fast for the former World No. 1, and her love of the game may not be what it once was.

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"Maybe it was too much too soon," she said. "But, you know, that’s when the gut check comes; do you really love the sport? It comes back to that. For six years, I did it all myself. Nowadays, so much is done for the players… Because there is so much more attention, and everything is magnified".

Navratilova went on to suggest that Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion herself, may be running out of time to re-establish herself at the top of the women's game, as the sport moves forward so quickly.  

"At the same time, people forget about it. So you are a flash in the pan", said the 18-time major champion. "I think the players need to just stay in the moment, and if they love the sport, great. If they don’t, that’s okay, too. But figure it out [and] make up your mind because time’s running out".

It is worth remembering that Naomi Osaka was once touted to be the next huge force in women's tennis, following her quite stunning maiden Grand Slam victory against Serena Williams in the final of the US Open.

She then followed that up with a second consecutive Grand Slam win in Australia the following year, before climbing to the summit of the rankings and adding two more majors to her name.

However, the past two years have seen an alarming dip in form and fitness for Japan's leading player. Struggling with bouts of depression and anxiety, some have - perhaps unfairly - questioned Osaka's commitment to the sport.

At 25 years of age, she still has plenty of time to turn things back around. But with the strengthening of the field around her, Osaka may find 2023 is a make or break season for her to regain a seat at the WTA's top table.

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