The 2022 US Open left a massive void in the tennis world. It spelled the end of Serena Williams’ glorious career that spanned over two decades. During her time on the court, Williams won an astonishing 23 Grand Slam titles, along with a host of other big trophies. However, with her body finding it difficult to cope with the demands of the sport, she called an end to her legendary career. Her decision left her followers saddened, one among them was Naomi Osaka. The Japanese star is still reeling from Williams’ retirement and made an emotional confession.

The 27-year-old has begun her campaign at the ASB Classic in New Zealand. As Osaka warms up for the Australian Open there, she remembered her idol, Serena Williams, and how she looked up to her while growing up. However, the memory of Williams’ retirement cropped up in the mind of Osaka and she turned emotional as she missed her on the court.

During an interview at the ASB Classic, Osaka revealed, “I do feel a little sad that you know my great role model is gone which is Serena and of course Venus, and I hope that I’m able to play as many years as them and build a really good foundation for the sport.” 

Like Williams, Osaka has become a role model for many young athletes. Additionally, she has motivated youngsters to take up the sport, having seen her rise from a humble background to the glories of the sport. Further, this is not the first time that Osaka has praised Williams’ impact on the tennis world.

During an interview ahead of the American legend’s retirement, Osaka mentioned, “I think that her legacy is really wide to the point where you can’t even describe it in words. She changed the sport so much. She’s introduced people that have never heard of tennis into the sport. And I think I’m a product of what she’s done. I wouldn’t be here without Serena, Venus, you know, her whole family.”

Meanwhile, Williams’ retirement has also taught Osaka an important lesson. Following her comeback after giving birth to her first child, Osaka revealed what Williams’ retirement taught her.

Naomi Osaka learned an important lesson after Serena Williams’ retirement: ‘Tennis lifespan isn’t that long’

The American legend called time on her illustrious career when she was 41 and had played over two decades of professional tennis. However, toward the end of her career, Williams suffered from injuries and wasn’t able to give her best. As a result, Osaka felt that tennis lifespan isn’t long enough and better productivity needs to be attained while at peak.

She explained, “I think I’m enjoying myself a lot more, and I also realize there’s a lot of things that aren’t in my control. Maybe the ball that was in, I could have hit that. Other than that, I feel more aware that I’m playing the best players in the world. Both of us have an opportunity to win. I also just think I’ve trained so hard after giving birth that I need to enjoy these moments, and I also think in a way watching Sharapova, Serena retiring, I know that the tennis lifespan isn’t that long.”

Osaka is into the semifinal of the ASB Classic and will take on the winner of the match between Katie Volynets and Alycia Parks. It’ll be interesting to see if Osaka can make a winning start to her 2025 campaign with a title victory in Auckland.