Naomi Osaka Weighs Quitting Tennis to Prioritize Daughter After Miami Upset

Four-time Grand Slam champion admits 'dilemma' of balancing tennis and motherhood after early exit at 2026 Miami Open.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:18am

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Tennis star Naomi Osaka has raised doubts about her future in the sport after a disappointing second-round loss at the 2026 Miami Open. Osaka, who is the mother of a two-year-old daughter, spoke candidly about her 'dilemma' of wanting to be the best player she can be while also prioritizing time with her child. The 28-year-old said she is not willing to continue playing if she keeps losing early in tournaments, as it would mean sacrificing precious moments with her daughter.

Why it matters

Osaka's comments highlight the challenges elite athletes, especially women, can face in balancing their careers and family life. As more professional sports stars become parents, the tension between athletic ambition and parental responsibilities is an issue that will likely continue to arise.

The details

Osaka lost to Talia Gibson 7-5, 6-4 in the second round of the 2026 Miami Open, a disappointing early exit for the 16th seed. Following the match, Osaka spoke to reporters about her future, saying she may quit tennis altogether to focus on being the 'best mom' to her daughter Shai. Osaka gave birth to Shai in 2023 and made her return to the WTA Tour in 2024. She enjoyed a strong 2025 season but has struggled with injuries in 2026, withdrawing from the Australian Open due to an abdominal issue.

  • Osaka gave birth to her daughter Shai in July 2023.
  • Osaka made her return to the WTA Tour at the 2024 Brisbane International.
  • Osaka withdrew from the 2026 Australian Open due to an abdominal injury.
  • Osaka lost to Talia Gibson in the second round of the 2026 Miami Open on March 22, 2026.

The players

Naomi Osaka

A four-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 tennis player who is currently weighing her future in the sport to prioritize being a mother to her two-year-old daughter Shai.

Talia Gibson

The player who defeated Naomi Osaka 7-5, 6-4 in the second round of the 2026 Miami Open.

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What they’re saying

“I feel like this also is a dilemma for me. Obviously, I would love to play, but like I said last year … for me, my daughter is very important, and I want to be a mom. I want to be the best mom I can, but sometimes I feel like I know what I have to do to become a really good player, and it's very difficult.”

— Naomi Osaka

“For me, like I said last year, I'm not going to stay on tour if I'm losing in the first round. I'd rather just be a great mom and be there for my daughter. Because for me, I want to win titles and I want to be the best player I can, but if I have to sacrifice having a lot of time with my daughter, I'd rather not do it.”

— Naomi Osaka

What’s next

Osaka plans to skip the WTA 500 Charleston Open but hopes to return to action at the Madrid Open starting on April 21, 2026, followed by the Italian Open as preparation for the French Open.

The takeaway

Naomi Osaka's comments highlight the challenges elite athletes, especially mothers, face in balancing their careers and family responsibilities. Her willingness to potentially step away from tennis to prioritize being the 'best mom' to her daughter Shai reflects the difficult personal decisions professional athletes sometimes have to make.