Naomi Osaka’s time at the Miami Open ended at the first hurdle as she was defeated by Talia Gibson in straight sets.
The Japanese star has dealt with a litany of injuries and illness since the start of the season, and Miami was just her fourth tournament appearance.
Osaka’s game plan was questioned after Indian Wells and her defeat against Gibson will do nothing to quell her critics’ fears.
Following another disappointing campaign, Osaka worryingly cast doubt over her entire future in the sport.
Naomi Osaka says she could quit tennis for good
Osaka’s poor start to the season has made her question her role in the sport, particularly as she also battles being a mother.
Speaking at her Miami Open press conference Osaka 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.”
What could stop Naomi Osaka from winning a Grand Slam title in 2026?
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Osaka expressed her desire to play the big tournaments on the clay court swing, but poor results there could see her step away.
“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.
“I’d rather just be a great mom and be there for my daughter. Because for me, I want to win titles and I want to be the best player I can, but if I have to sacrifice having a lot of time with my daughter, I’d rather not do it.”
Osaka is a former world number one, but her current poor run of form has seen her slip to 15 in the WTA rankings.
Naomi Osaka is far too good to step away from the sport completely
Osaka might be in a poor run of form, but she did not play badly at all against Gibson at the Miami Open.
Two breaks of serve were the difference at Gibson continued her impressive run at the Sunshine Double this term.
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Osaka lost just one point behind her first serve in the entire set, so it’s clear she still has access to her biggest weapons.
If the Japanese star was to step away from the sport completely, she would be a major miss for the WTA Tour.
Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam champion for a reason, and there’s no reason she can’t once again reach the very top of the women’s game.
