"I don't want her to not have me in her memories": Naomi Osaka vows to make 'smarter scheduling' decisions to benefit daughter Shai

Naomi Osaka will play in her first Quarter-Final back as a mother later on Thursday when she faces Karolina Pliskova at the 2024 Qatar Open. Of course battling not only trying to be a full-time tennis pro, but also mother is a valiant effort in itself and is one that she isn't taking lightly.

Osaka said that she will try to take her daughter Shai to more tournaments and let her see the world. But is also mindful to make better scheduling choices to allow her to balance family life. Osaka has been open about wanting to play a full-time schedule during 2024. But part of that is likely down to her current ranking and not having to then rely on wildcards.

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Caroline Wozniacki and Angelique Kerber are two players who have previously spoken about struggles they've faced as a returning mother. Elina Svitolina and Victoria Azarenka are two that while have struggled have also thrived so Osaka will look to take their lead too.

"Left Melbourne a day after I lost my match and went back to see my daughter. I honestly didn't really talk to anyone during that time," said Osaka.

"It was just kind of, for me, the longest that I have been away from her, so I just wanted to hang out with her a lot. I guess seeing her reinforced my goal to, like, do better at every tournament."

"Of course I think Abu Dhabi wasn't the greatest (smiling), but I really want to bring her to as many tournaments as I can. So she's coming to Indian Wells and Miami."

"You won't see her, though, because I guess she'll just be at the house, but I think I do need to be a lot smarter with my scheduling, because I really want to make time for her and I don't want her to not have me in her memories."

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