Concerns Over "Performance Decline After Childbirth"... "Worry About Male Athletes" - A Sharp Remark from the World No.1

Naomi Osaka, Former World No.1 in Tennis,
Addresses Career Concerns on SNS Following Childbirth

Naomi Osaka, the tennis player who became the first Asian national to achieve the world No. 1 ranking in singles for both men and women, has sparked controversy by telling those worried about her return after childbirth to "worry about male players whose performance has declined."

Naomi Osaka [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 13th (local time), Naomi Osaka tweeted, "By the way, suddenly many people have started worrying about my career," adding, "There are many male athletes whose performance has significantly dropped after having children, so how about worrying about them instead?"

Osaka also said, "I appreciate the concern, but it would be better to direct it to those who actually need it." She added, "I am not trying to make this a matter of women versus men."

Earlier in January, Osaka announced her pregnancy on her social media, saying, "One thing I look forward to in the future is that my child will watch one of my matches and say to someone, 'That person is my mom,'" and expressed, "I am very excited to return to the court."

Netizens who saw this expressed support with comments such as "Everyone misses you," and "Show everyone your abilities."

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Naomi Osaka is the first Asian national in tennis history to win four Grand Slam titles across both men’s and women’s competitions. She has won the Australian Open twice and the US Open twice.

Osaka plans to take a break this season and return at the Australian Open held in January next year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.