Naomi Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, has raised the possibility of early retirement, expressing that she would not continue playing tennis if she fails to maintain a certain ranking. Osaka, who has had a rollercoaster career since her return to professional tennis, revealed her thoughts in a candid interview before the ASB Tennis Classic in Auckland, where she is set to make her comeback on December 30 after suffering a back injury during the China Open earlier this year.
The 27-year-old Japanese player had a 22-17 win-loss record in singles for 2024, a year that saw her return to competition after a 15-month break for the birth of her first child. She admitted that her performance in 2024 had been humbling, though it also provided opportunities for growth. Osaka’s year included a quarter-final appearance at Doha and at s-Hertogenbosch, but she struggled with consistency, failing to advance beyond the second round in any of the four Grand Slam tournaments.
Osaka, who had previously held the world No. 1 ranking, now sits at No. 58 in the WTA rankings. Despite this, she remains committed to returning to the top. She explained that she is at a stage in her career where her expectations for her performance are high, and if she is unable to maintain a certain ranking, she does not see herself continuing on tour for much longer. "I don't think I'm the type of player that would hang around," Osaka said. "I have a lot of respect for all the players on tour, but at this point in my life, if I'm not above a certain ranking, I don't see myself playing for much longer. I'd rather spend time with my daughter if I'm not where I think I should be and where I feel like I can be."
Osaka’s remarks suggest that, while she remains competitive and passionate about the sport, she is not willing to simply “hang around” if she feels that she can no longer compete at a high level. Her commitment to her daughter and family was evident as she expressed a desire to prioritize spending time with them if her tennis career no longer meets her standards.
However, despite the challenges of the 2024 season, Osaka remains optimistic about the future. She feels reinvigorated and motivated to return to her elite level, particularly as she sets her sights on a strong 2025 season. Osaka, who has won the Australian Open twice (2019 and 2021) and the US Open twice (2018 and 2020), believes that the 2024 season, while difficult, provided valuable lessons that will fuel her growth. "2024 humbled me, but I think I also grew a lot," she reflected. "I worked harder than I ever have before, and while it was painful not to get the results I wanted, I feel like I am growing and learning. I'm really excited for this year. I played some really good matches in 2024, and what keeps me going in tennis is stepping onto the court and learning something new every day."
Osaka also emphasized that her passion for tennis and competition remains strong. "I'm really competitive, I love to win tournaments, to win matches, and to play the best players in the world and see what I can achieve," she stated, signaling her intention to continue striving for excellence in the sport.
As she prepares for the upcoming season, Osaka’s thoughts on retirement are a reminder of the pressure and challenges that top athletes face, balancing their passion for the game with the reality of performance expectations. With her competitive spirit intact, Osaka hopes to return to her winning ways in 2025, aiming to regain her place among the sport’s elite players.
