"It's either I have to be the best or I'm going to be homeless": Naomi Osaka opens on all or nothing mindset behind tennis career
WTA
Naomi Osaka
spoke in her new biography about her humble origins and the pursuit of becoming
the best in tennis.
The
biographical book of the former world No. 1 addresses the story of her parents
in Osaka and their journey to the United States with her and her sister, hoping
to find a future in tennis, much like the Williams sisters Venus and Serena,
with the assistance of some coaches who offered free lessons due to their
financial difficulties.
"Naomi
Osaka: Her Journey to Finding Her Power and Her Voice" is written by
journalist Ben Rothenberg that delves into the story of Naomi Osaka and the
decisions that led her to become a professional and reach the top of the WTA
Rankings, in addition to winning four Grand Slam titles at just 23 years old.
The details
were shared by the Daily Mail, which had exclusive access to the book and
provided some previews of the book set to be published in January 2024,
including Osaka's testimony about her childhood and rise in tennis.
“My parents
weren't exactly the richest, so what am I going to do? I'm not really the
smartest. It's either I have to be the best or I'm going to be homeless,'
Rothenberg wrote quoting Osaka.
4-times
Grand Slam champion has been away from the courts for 14 months since her
participation in the Tokyo Open in September 2022 (walkover in the second
round). During this time, Osaka gave birth to her first daughter, Shai, but she
is preparing for her comeback at the beginning of the upcoming season with high
ambitions:
"I
want to win eight more Grand Slams and try to win the gold medal at the Paris
2024 Olympic Games. It's one of the goals that excites me the most about
returning to sport. I took a break, but I always feel very competitive and full
of desire to win the most important tournaments in my sport again," Osaka
said [via tennisworIdusa.com.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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