Naomi Osaka recently expressed her concerns about potentially stepping away from professional tennis if her performance and ranking do not improve in the near future. Speaking to reporters ahead of the Auckland Classic, Osaka emphasized her commitment to the sport but acknowledged her current struggles. “I don’t think I’m the type of player that would hang around,” she stated. “If I’m not above a certain ranking, I don’t see myself playing for a while. 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.” Her remarks highlight the personal and professional crossroads she currently faces.
Osaka’s coach, Patrick Mouratoglou, voiced his understanding of her perspective in an exclusive interview with Tennis Majors. He noted the mental challenges that come with being a former multiple Grand Slam champion and struggling to maintain a competitive edge. “When you’ve been a multiple Grand Slam winner, it’s very difficult mentally to be far from the level that you know you can play,” Mouratoglou explained. He added that while many players continue to compete out of love for the sport, the frustration of not achieving their former success can weigh heavily on them.
Despite the challenges, Mouratoglou remains optimistic about Osaka’s future in tennis. He acknowledged her dedication and the hard work she is putting into her training, asserting that her return to top form is merely a matter of time. “She had a difficult season last year; she had a baby and had to get back into shape,” he noted. Mouratoglou believes that Osaka’s mindset is focused on winning rather than settling for a lower ranking. “She doesn’t want to be in the Top 20. She wants to win and feel great about what she’s doing,” he said. Ultimately, he affirmed that if she feels she can no longer compete at the level she desires, she will make the decision to step away from the sport.
Related topics
- Is the Australian Open Indoor or Outdoor
- Is the Australian Open on Free to Air TV
- Why Is Tennis Called the Open