Naomi Osaka is set to grace the grass courts again after a long absence. But this time, she is a different person, with daughter Shai by her side. Last year, after embracing motherhood, things changed for the Japanese tennis player in a good way. The four-time Grand Slam champion opened up about the good part of having Shai with her in her life and on the tour.

In a pre-tournament conference at Wimbledon, Osaka was asked about her challenges as a tennis player after becoming a mother last year. For the Japanese star, it “has been a journey.” She further said, “I’ve also been really lucky and blessed. I’m able to, I guess, bring someone that also helps me take care of Shai, and she’s also a pretty relatively happy girl all the time.” 

Further, she added, “So, she just has a lot of energy and I have to play with her a lot to tire her out so sometimes. It’s a little tiring to go from practice to running around with her, but I wouldn’t say that’s anything that I would complain about, I think. I don’t know; it’s a bit of a dream to be here with her.” 

The former world number one is quite open about her time with her daughter. A few weeks ago, during the French Open, she shared a piece of happy news while being away from her then 10-month-old daughter. Just before the clay slam, she was giddy as she revealed that her daughter had taken her first little steps.

She said, “Yesterday, she walked for the first time, so I was really happy about that. We’re going to practice some more when I get back. But it’s really cool to have her here, just to see how much she’s grown and how many things she’s doing differently. It’s kind of surreal.” The journey will continue and bring changes to both.

For Osaka, the change in perspectives has already arrived. Earlier this year, the former world number one shared how motherhood has changed her life and the way she looks at things.

Naomi Osaka changed her perspective after embracing motherhood  

Earlier this year, before making her debut, the 26-year-old tennis player said motherhood gave her a new outlook on life. The former world No. 1 hopes to inspire her daughter Shai by returning to tennis and showing nothing will hold her back. Osaka said, “Being a mum has changed my life a lot. I think it changed my perspective on a lot of things.”

Osaka further shared, “Giving birth was one of the most painful things I’ve ever gone through. It’s definitely made me feel like physically I can handle a lot.” Following that, she also emphasized how she wants to show her daughter that she can do anything by returning to court.

After making a comeback, Osaka has had several ups and downs but looks to leave them behind in this Wimbledon. Can she smash the competition to be an even bigger idol to her daughter? Do let us know in the comment section below.