Former world’s number one Naomi Osaka believes she can return to the top of the women’s tennis rankings by the end of the year as she draws inspiration from being a mother.
The four-time Grand Slam champion crashed out early at the Australian Open after 15 months off the court after giving birth to her first child, but is confident she will be back on top as she prepares for the WTA 500 Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open.
“I have a lot of respect for the top-ranked tennis players and everything they’ve done”, said Naomi Osaka in an interview. “It’s really brave to say it, but I know what I’m capable of and I see myself there. Hopefully I can get there this year, hopefully by the end of the year. But if not, I’m patient, I’ve always been a patient person, so I’ll get there eventually”, added the 26-year-old Japanese tennis player.
Obviously, she will have to make sacrifices after becoming a mother for the first time in July, but her daughter Shai motivates her to achieve her goals.
“I’m the type of person who prefers to set really high goals, and maybe I’ll only do 25 percent of them, but 25 percent is something really amazing”, said Naomi Osaka. “I don’t think I would go back and say, ‘Oh, my goal is to get to the quarter-finals of a Slam,’ which is great, but that’s not why I’m spending my time away from Shai”, added she.
Naomi Osaka, who plans to play in Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami and Charleston to get her rhythm back, said becoming a mother has helped her gain a new perspective.
“I really think Shai balances me out a lot. It’s nice to know that no matter what happens, there’s going to be someone who loves you and cares about you. Of course, I’m not saying she’s the only person. But for some reason she’s the only one I think about”, commented Naomi Osaka.
Naomi Osaka faces the 71st-ranked American and 2022 Australian Open finalist Danielle Collins in the second round of the tournament in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday.
