Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has expressed her determination to maintain high standards in her tennis career, stating that she will not continue playing if her results do not meet her expectations. The 27-year-old Japanese player is set to make her comeback at the ASB Tennis Classic in Auckland after recovering from a back injury sustained during the China Open in October.
Reflecting on her performance in 2024, Osaka acknowledged feeling humbled by her return to the professional circuit following a break of almost 15 months for the birth of her first child. Despite ending the season ranked 58, she emphasized her commitment to excellence, stating, 'I don’t think I’m the type of player that would hang around.'
Osaka highlighted the importance of achieving a certain ranking to continue her career, expressing a preference to spend time with her daughter if she falls short of her expectations. She emphasized the need to see tangible progress in her game to justify her continued presence on the tour.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Osaka expressed optimism and a sense of growth from her experiences in 2024. Despite facing setbacks, including an injury in Beijing, she remains enthusiastic about returning to the court and competing at a high level.
Having won multiple Grand Slam titles, including the Australian Open and the US Open, Osaka reaffirmed her deep-rooted passion for tennis. She credited her parents for instilling a love for the sport from a young age and emphasized that tennis has always been her true calling.
Osaka is scheduled to face Lina Glushko of Israel in the opening round of the ASB Classic, marking her return to competitive action. With a renewed sense of purpose and determination, Osaka is poised to make her mark in the upcoming season and continue her pursuit of excellence on the tennis court.
For more tennis news and updates, visit AP tennis.
