Naomi Osaka conquers Wimbledon nerves, keeps daughter’s birthday plans intact

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka was smiling broadly after booking her place in the third round at Wimbledon, but tennis wasn’t all on her mind. Moments after seeing off Russian qualifier Anastasia Gasan 6-3, 6-2 on Court 2 on Wednesday, Osaka revealed her biggest source of nerves was her daughter Shai’s birthday, which falls on Thursday.

When asked during an on-court interview if she was nervous before the match, Osaka immediately replied, “Yes!” She then explained the emotional reason behind her anxiety.

Wimbledon 2026 Day 3 Update

“Tomorrow is my daughter’s birthday. I just wanted to be here longer. I don’t want to force her to get on a plane on her birthday,” Osaka said with a laugh, adding that she was “really happy” to extend her stay at the All England Club.

The Japanese star also shared her birthday plans, saying that tennis will still come first before family celebrations.

“Obviously I have to train in the morning, but maybe when we walk around the park and stuff. He loves making friends, so yeah, we’ll probably do that,” she said.

The candid exchange drew warm applause from the Wimbledon crowd and showed how motherhood has become a central part of Osaka’s life since returning to the tour. The win ensured she could celebrate Shai’s special day in London instead of heading home early, while keeping alive her hopes of producing her best ever Wimbledon run.

Osaka has reached the third round several times at a grass major, but has yet to make it past that stage. She is now due to face Australian Daria Kasatkina for a place in the round of 16.

OSAKA DOMINATES GASANOVA

Osaka looked to be in complete control after an hour and five minute win over Gasan. The 14th seed broke serve early in the opening set and dictated play with her trademark powerful groundstrokes, closing out the set 6-3 with an ace.

Although Gasan briefly threatened to make the second set competitive, Osaka quickly increased the intensity. A thunderous overhead winner helped her secure the decisive break for a 4-2 lead before she comfortably closed out the match 6-2. The former world No. 1 hit the ball cleanly from both wings, served efficiently and rarely allowed the opposition to settle in long plays.

Fresh off an opening-round win over Elsa Jacquemot, Osaka has now reached the third round of Wimbledon again and looks increasingly comfortable on grass. With his confidence building and more motivation for his family, the Japanese star will be hoping to finally break new ground at the All England Club.

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Issued by:

sabyasachi chowdhury

Published on:

01 Jul 2026 21:24 IST