Naomi Osaka’s Pregnancy and What That Means for Tennis

Story by Kayla Adames. Photo courtesy of The Washington Post.

On January 11, Naomi Osaka announced that she and her boyfriend, rapper Cordea, are expecting their first child together. She also announced that she will not be participating in the 2023 tennis season. This means Osaka can focus on her pregnancy, but what does this mean for tennis?

Osaka is currently ranked 47th in WTA (Women's Tennis Association) and is worth more than $65 million. She’s won four grand slam titles in her nine years of playing the sport, making her the first Asian player to reach the top WTA world ranking, as well as becoming the first tennis player from Japan to win a Grand Slam singles title. All of this begs the question: Is she going to be satisfied with her life after leaving?

Osaka later posted on Twitter saying, “These few months away from the sport have really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I’ve dedicated my life to.” We all can agree that the game is going to be different without her, but with new players like Paula Badosa and Ons Jabeur, who are some impressive rookies, we might not even feel the effects. Players like Badosa are planning to use the 2023 season to better improve their rankings and skill to come back better from it. 

I personally am so happy for Osaka, and I know that she will be a great parent. Let’s hope for the best for both these new parents and the tennis world! 

Kayla Adames is an 8th grade scholar at Friendship Woodridge International School.