Naomi Osaka opens up on ‘dilemma’ that could bring her tennis career to an end

Naomi Osaka’s time at the Miami Open ended at the first hurdle as she was defeated by Talia Gibson in straight sets.

Osaka has already dealt with a handful of injuries and illness to start her campaign, and her appearance in Florida was just her fourth of the season.

Her tactics were already under scrutiny after Indian Wells, and losing to Gibson is only likely to add fuel to those doubts.

The most worrying sign for Osaka fans came after the match, when she cast doubt over whether she would continue playing at all.

Naomi Osaka hints at possible retirement after Miami Open exit

Osaka’s struggles early in the season have led her to reflect on whether she wants to keep competing, especially as she balances her career with being a mother.

In her press conference after the Miami Open, she said: “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 mum.

“I want to be the best mum 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. I’m not going to play Charleston.”

“I hope I can play Madrid, Rome and then obviously the French Open. For me, like I said last year, I’m not going to stay on tour if I’m losing in the first round,” she said.

Despite holding hopes of playing through clay court season and into Roland Garros, another string of early exits could push Osaka towards stepping away from tennis altogether.

Now ranked 15th in the world following another loss this week, Osaka is finding it tough going in what has been one of her most difficult stretches yet on tour.

Naomi Osaka too talented to leave tennis behind

Although her recent results haven’t gone her way, Osaka’s performance against Gibson in Miami wasn’t without positives.

Gibson, who has been in good form during the Sunshine Double, capitalised on a couple of key breaks to edge ahead.

Osaka held strong on serve, losing just one point behind her first serve throughout the set. It showed she still has the tools that made her so successful.

If she were to walk away now, it would be a significant loss for the WTA Tour. She’s not only a former world number one but also a four-time Grand Slam champion, and there’s nothing to say she can’t climb back to the top again.

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