Naomi Osaka Opens Up on Motherhood as She Targets Strong 2026 Season
Naomi Osaka is stepping into 2026 with a renewed mindset, both on and off the tennis court. The four-time Grand Slam champion, who is making her debut at the United Cup in Perth, shared her thoughts during the first media day about how motherhood has reshaped her perspective on life and her career. Since the birth of her daughter, Shai, in July 2023, Osaka has been navigating the challenging balance between parenthood and professional tennis, and she says the experience has changed her outlook entirely.
Watching fellow players like Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic on court with her one-year-old daughter sparked a mix of admiration and reflection for Osaka. “I thought that was really, really cute, and it made me think of my daughter, as well,” she said. The 2025 season had been a strong one for Osaka, rising from No. 57 to No. 16 in the PIF WTA Rankings, but she admits that this offseason was particularly challenging as she tried to juggle training and motherhood. “It’s definitely really tough,” Osaka reflected. “You try to be there for her all the time. Obviously there are moments where you have to practice or have to do something. I hope that I’m managing or juggling it well.”
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Osaka explained that parenthood has shifted the way she approaches tennis. Previously, she admits, her self-worth was closely tied to wins and losses, but now she views each day as a fresh opportunity. “If you knew me before, I would take everything so seriously,” she said. “Now I’m just taking it like every day is a new opportunity to do better. But at the same time, I know that my biggest role isn’t a tennis player—it’s to be a mom to my daughter.” This new outlook has given her a sense of calm and purpose, and she is excited to explore what she can achieve in the year ahead.
Osaka is set to play in Group E of the United Cup, facing Maria Sakkari of Greece on January 2 and Emma Raducanu of Great Britain on January 4. Her debut at the United Cup is particularly meaningful because of the team format, which she has admired on television for years. “I’ve always kind of watched United Cup on TV. I’ve wanted to play for a long time,” she said. “It’s such a good team atmosphere, which I really enjoy.”
The event also marks a fresh start for her competitors. Maria Sakkari, who is recovering from a shoulder injury that affected her 2024 season, is eager to return to the top tier of the WTA rankings. Sakkari emphasized that she used the offseason to focus on recovery and improvement, confident that her hard work will translate onto the court.
Osaka’s teammate, Shintaro Mochizuki, expressed excitement about sharing the court with her. “Hopefully I can get closer more and more. If I get to play doubles with her, it would be great,” he said. The United Cup offers a rare chance for players to experience a team environment early in the season, and Osaka is clearly ready to embrace it. As she balances motherhood and a return to elite tennis, it’s clear that Osaka’s perspective—and her game—have evolved, making her one of the most compelling figures to watch in 2026.
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