Naomi Osaka recently opened up about how motherhood has changed her perspective on tennis and life as she prepares to make her first return to the Australian Open — a tournament she has won twice. The four-time grand slam champion initially revealed her pregnancy during the 2022 Australian Open. In July 2023, Oskak gave birth to her daughter, Shai, whom she shares with rapper Cordae.
She returned to the tour earlier this month at her first major competition since becoming a mother, the Brisbane International. Three-time champion Karolina Pliskova defeated Naomi Osaka in the second round, The Guardian reported.
In a Wednesday-published interview with Glamour, Osaka called for implementing paid parental leave. As a young woman living in the United States, Osaka learned the U.S. is one of the few countries without a national paid parental leave policy.
“When I heard the stats, I was really shocked,” told the publication. “I’m lucky enough to not have to go straight into work, but I needed that time to process everything that’s happened and, of course, get to know my baby. “
About 73% of Americans do not have paid leave through their workplaces, and one in four women returned to work within two weeks of giving birth due to the lack of paid leave. The United States is one of only six countries without a national paid parental leave program.
