Naomi Osaka has contemplated the impact of motherhood on her outlook towards tennis and the world as she gets ready to compete in the Australian Open, a competition she has emerged victorious in two times.
The tennis player, who has won three grand slam titles, revealed her pregnancy prior to the 2017 Australian Open and took a break from the sport. In July, she welcomed her daughter, Shai, and recently made her comeback at the Brisbane International tournament.
Osaka, in an interview with Glamour released on Wednesday, advocated for the implementation of paid parental leave in the United States, the country where she was raised.
“I was quite surprised when I learned about the statistics,” expressed Osaka regarding the United States, which is among the limited number of countries without a government-mandated paid parental leave policy. “Fortunately, I have the privilege of not immediately returning to work, but it was essential for me to have that period to process all that has occurred and, of course, bond with my child.”
25% of women in the United States go back to work after two weeks of delivering a baby, while 73% of Americans do not get paid time off for parental leave from their employer. Osaka expressed her sadness at the lack of options for women who are forced to return to work immediately.
Osaka has openly discussed her challenges with the demands of being a professional athlete, but has stated that becoming a mother has positively impacted her overall well-being.
She declares, “I am incredibly empowered.” While others may discuss the process of giving birth, it’s a unique experience. I now have the confidence to conquer anything and my ability to handle pain has greatly improved. Other people’s opinions no longer hold much weight for me.
In 2019 and 2021, the 26-year-old emerged victorious at the Australian Open and shared that her mindset as a mother contributed to her success.
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“It feels like being a mother and playing tennis are two completely separate aspects of my life. I have been playing tennis since I was three years old, so it has become second nature to me. However, I do have moments where I question if I am a good mother. But ultimately, I remember that Shai is my daughter and nothing can change that. My main focus is being a positive role model for her and making her proud of me.”
