Published 01/15/2023, 10:50 AM EST
Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka recently announced her pregnancy. With this, the hot topic right now is Osaka’s future. As we have seen in the past, players like Serena Williams and Margaret Court have made a return after childbirth. The former world number one also competed at the topmost level for a long time.
However, it won’t be wrong to say that the challenges are there. Former American tennis star Chris Evert also had a similar experience in her playing days. Here’s what she thinks about Osaka’s future after childbirth.
Chris Evert is positive about the comeback of Naomi Osaka
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The former American tennis star very well understands the challenge of playing tennis as a mother. The 28-time Grand Slam champion, however, believes that the experience of motherhood will only make Osaka stronger.
Speaking to Eurosport.com, Evert said, “I do think your body is different after you have a child and you’re stronger. I think physically, mentally and emotionally you’re stronger after you have a child and that’s my feeling. I don’t know this statistically, or factually, but I just feel like women could come back even better than before, because they do just have more inner strength.”
September 20, 2022, TOKIO, JAPAN: Naomi Osaka of Japan in action during the first round of the 2022 Toray Pan Pacific Open WTA, Tennis Damen 500 tennis tournament TOKIO JAPAN – ZUMAa181 20220920_zaa_a181_038 Copyright: xRobxPrangex
Further, the former world number one explained how modern-day technologies help tennis players have longer careers, and taking a break is no more a career-ending decision.
“Now these careers are over like 20 years, now players are playing well into their 30s or even 40. Basically, you take a year and a half out, people do that anyway if they’re injured, so I think it’s becoming more and more feasible to have both in your life,” Evert added.
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While Osaka was going through a tough phase already, the break might help her come back stronger. It will be interesting to see how Osaka manages her career with motherhood duties.
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Osaka defended her choices
Naomi Osaka had a brilliant start to her career. The 25-year-old already has four Grand Slam titles to her name. However, the last two years have not been great for the Japanese tennis star. At French Open 2021, she announced in the press conference regarding her decision to take a break for her mental health issues.
While there were a lot of outcries following her decision to step away, the four-time Grand Slam champion believes it was the right choice. Speaking about her decision, the Japanese said that the excessive pressure of winning matches was damaging her mental health and it was important to step back.
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Now that Osaka will have a longer break, she will return afresh. However, there will be an added responsibility on her shoulders. It will be interesting to see if Osaka can pull off a Serena after her comeback.