Naomi Osaka has raised doubts about her future in professional tennis following a disappointing first-round exit at the Miami Open.
The four-time Grand Slam champion lost 7-5, 6-4 to Australia’s rising star Talia Gibson, who continues her impressive run after defeating multiple top-20 players in recent weeks. Gibson will face Iva Jovic in the next round.
Osaka, seeded 16th and given a first-round bye, struggled with form and movement during the match. Speaking after the defeat, the 28-year-old admitted she may reconsider her career if early exits continue.
“I’m not going to stay on tour if I’m losing in the first round,” Osaka said, highlighting her growing focus on family life.
Since returning to the tour in 2024 after the birth of her daughter, Osaka has faced challenges balancing motherhood and professional tennis. While she showed strong form last season—reaching the semi-finals of the US Open—her progress has been disrupted by recurring injuries, including abdominal and back issues.
Osaka confirmed she will skip the Charleston Open and plans a limited clay season, aiming to compete at the Madrid Open, Italian Open in Rome, and the French Open.
Meanwhile, Gibson’s victory marks her fourth win over a top-20 opponent in three weeks, underlining her emergence as a strong contender on the tour.
Elsewhere in the tournament, several notable players also exited early. British players Cameron Norrie, Katie Boulter, and Fran Jones were all eliminated, with Jones forced to retire due to illness. American star Jessica Pegula advanced after Jones’ withdrawal.
In other matches, world No. 2 Jannik Sinner continued his strong form with a straight-sets win, keeping his hopes alive for completing the “Sunshine Double.”
Osaka’s latest comments reflect a broader dilemma faced by athletes balancing elite competition with personal responsibilities, raising uncertainty about how long she will continue on the tour.
