Naomi Osaka dropped a bombshell forward of her season-opener in Auckland because the four-time Grand Slam champion signifies she is going to most likely retire if her outcomes do not meet her expectations.
When the 27-year-old launched a post-pregnancy return 12 months in the past, she underlined that successful Majors was her No. 1 objective and the explanation she got here again to tennis.
Sadly for Osaka, it did not occur as she did not make it previous the second spherical at a Grand Slam final yr.
Additionally, the previous world No. 1 posted a 22-17 report – made simply two WTA quarterfinals – and completed the season ranked at No. 58 on the earth.
“I think 2024 humbled me, but I also feel like I grew a lot. I worked way harder than I’ve ever worked before. So in that, I guess it was very painful to not get the results I wanted,” the Japanese tennis star told reporters in Auckland.
Naomi Osaka© ASB Classic/Instagram – Fair Use
Osaka: If I’m not where I want to be, I don’t myself continuing
“I don’t think I’m the type of player that would hang around. I have a lot of respect for all the players on tour, but the point of my life that I’m at right now, if I’m not above a certain ranking, I don’t see myself playing for a while,” the 27-year-old noted.
“I’d rather spend time with my daughter if I’m not where I think I should be and where I feel like I can be.”
In Auckland, Osaka is about to play for the primary time since debuting in 2017.
In her opening match on the WTA 250 event in New Zealand, the Japanese is seeded at No. 7 and faces qualifier Lina Glushko.
Since Auckland does not function any top-10 gamers and Osaka has a fairly strong draw, there is no such thing as a doubt that the previous world No. 1 may presumably make a run and carry her first title since 2021.
