“I'm not the type of person to ignore that”: How motherhood changed Naomi Osaka’s priorities as the four-time Grand Slam champion admits her daughter could decide her tennis future

Naomi Osaka has spent years chasing tennis history. She has won four Grand Slam titles, reached the top of the world rankings and built a career many players dream of. But today, the former world No. 1 has a different priority. Her three-year daughter, Shai, could have a say in how long she continues playing tennis. And Osaka has made it clear that she would not ignore her daughter's feelings just to stay in the sport.The Japanese tennis star opened up about motherhood and her uncertain future while speaking ahead of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on October 25, 2026. Her comments offered a glimpse into how much her life has changed since becoming a mother. Even with more tennis goals ahead, Osaka is prepared to make a difficult choice if her daughter wants her to spend less time travelling. Naomi Osaka puts daughter Shai ahead of her tennis ambitionsFor Osaka, the biggest question about her future may not involve another Grand Slam title or her world ranking. It may come from a conversation with her daughter.Speaking to reporters in Tokyo on October 25, Osaka admitted that she often thinks about how much longer she wants to play. She also explained that Shai's feelings could influence that decision."If my daughter did say she didn't want me to travel as much, I'm not the type of person to ignore that," Osaka said.It was a telling admission from a player who has spent much of her adult life competing at the highest level. The 29-year-old has won four major singles titles, including the US Open in 2018 and 2020 and the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021.However, motherhood has given her a different perspective. Osaka returned to tennis in 2023 after taking 15 months away from the sport following Shai's birth. Her comeback has involved balancing professional commitments with the demands of raising a young child.She also made it clear that tennis no longer takes up every part of her day."I wouldn't say I'm part-timing it but my entire day doesn't consist of that," she explained.Osaka added that she remains proud of her progress because she cannot dedicate all her time to tennis as she once did. Motherhood has changed how Naomi Osaka sees her futureOsaka's comments also connect to an earlier chapter of her career. In 2021, she stepped away from tennis to focus on her mental health. She later returned to the sport, but her priorities have continued to evolve.Now, Shai sits at the centre of those decisions."My daughter is my biggest priority," Osaka said during her Tokyo media appearance. She also admitted that balancing life as a professional player and a mother is something she is still learning little by little.That does not mean Osaka has lost her desire to compete. In fact, she sounded hopeful about her tennis future. During the same interaction, she said she was not far from finding her best form and felt optimistic about 2027.The four-time Grand Slam champion still has plenty she wants to achieve on court. Yet her latest admission shows that another tournament win may not always come first.In Osaka’s case, the decision to continue playing will involve more than her own ambitions. If Shai eventually asks her mother to spend more time at home, she has already made one thing clear: she will listen.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.