ASB Classic 2025: Naomi Osaka Keeps Daughter Shai Close as Her Source of Motivation Ahead of the Finals Clash

Returning to the tennis courts after a long hiatus can be nerve-wracking, but Naomi Osaka is thriving in her first tournament back. After a maternity leave throughout 2023, she faced challenges in 2024, including an early exit at the China Open due to an ankle injury. Despite these setbacks, Osaka kept her spirits high and focused on her comeback while balancing life as a new mother. Her adorable parenting moments on tour showcase her ability to juggle it all.

Currently ranked in the WTA Top 50, Osaka is making waves at the ASB Classic in Auckland. She has powered through the tournament, defeating Alycia Parks in the semifinals and Hailey Baptiste in the quarterfinals. Now, she’s set to face Clara Tauson in the finals—her first since 2022. The former world No. 1 seems unfazed by the pressure, proving that she’s ready to reclaim her spot among the tennis elite!

After defeating Parks in a tough battle that ended with Naomi clinching 6-4, 6-2 by the end of the match, she’s headed to the finals on Sunday. In the post-match conference, Osaka was asked about her routine before she heads onto the court to take on Tauson, to which she has a pretty simple checklist. She said, “I’m going to sleep and then I’m going to talk to my daughter.”

ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad

Then for a touch of humor, she added, “Then I’m going to eat and then I’m going to sleep and then I’ll be here and I’ll see all of your beautiful faces.” The player who was once shy and soft-spoken in interviews, seems to have transformed her approach to speaking with the press. Being more open about her life and motivation on the court.

In her December 2024 Harper’s Bazaar feature, she opened up about her mental health journey and the pivotal role her daughter Shai plays in her life. Osaka expressed, “Freedom for me is spending time with my daughter and seeing joy in her eyes. As long as I am a role model for her, no outside opinions matter.”

Now back on tour after a 15-month hiatus following the birth of her daughter Shai, Osaka finds a way to stay focused despite being away from her child. Ahead of the tournament, she reflected on the past year and how her time off has influenced her return to the courts.

ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad

Osaka reflects on motherhood’s impact as a pro athlete

On January 1, Naomi Osaka shared a heartwarming series of photos with her daughter Shai on Instagram. The images capture tender moments of the mother-daughter duo embracing, taking walks, and even a snapshot of Shai watching Osaka compete on television during the US Open. Osaka captioned the post, “2024 wrap but it’s pics of me and the cutest girl in the world,” just days after making surprising remarks about her tennis future.

Just before her campaign in Auckland, she candidly shared that if her performance doesn’t improve, she might consider stepping away from the sport. “I think 2024 humbled me, but I also feel like I grew a lot,” she said. She emphasized her desire to prioritize quality time with her daughter, stating, “I’d rather spend time with my daughter if I’m not where I think I should be.”

ADVERTISEMENT Article continues below this ad

Returning to tennis after giving birth is no small feat. Osaka faced numerous hurdles last year, including a surprising exit in the Cincinnati Masters and a second-round finish at the US Open. Despite these setbacks, she found strength in her daughter Shai, who provided immense support during tough moments. Osaka recalled a night before her US Open match when Shai refused to sleep, humorously noting, “Oh wow, she picked the perfect day to not go to sleep.”

Now, as she shows consistency and momentum in her first tournament of 2025 at the ASB Classic, she seems ready to clinch her first title since 2021. With her renewed focus and determination, could this be the moment she reclaims her place among the tennis elite? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Click here to read article