Naomi Osaka is relishing every moment with her daughter, Shai, while enjoying a successful run at the 2026 Mubadala DC Open. She has shared details of her heartwarming morning routine with the three-year-old and opened up about the special significance of competing at the WTA 500 event in Washington, D.C.
Naomi Osaka Sheds Light on Her Morning Routine with Daughter Shai at the DC Open
No. 3 seed Osaka has made a strong start to her North American hardcourt swing, reaching the semifinals of the DC Open. Following a first-round bye, she commenced her campaign by advancing to the quarterfinals after Ashlyn Krueger retired from their second-round clash.
The former world No. 1 then engaged in a closely contested battle with Elisabetta Cocciaretto, overcoming a display of frustration to secure a 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 comeback win and book her spot in the final four.
Following her quarterfinal victory, Osaka appeared on the Tennis Channel and shared that her daughter, Shai, gives her an adorable wake-up call every morning while at the DC Open. Although the early starts have caused her to sacrifice a bit of sleep, the four-time Grand Slam champion said she wouldn’t have it any other way.
“I mean, I guess I woke up on the wrong side of the bed, but I wake up when I hear my daughter wake up and she wakes up quite early here, so. I’m just like, I hear her little footsteps and I’m like (exclaims). Even though I feel like I should sleep in a little bit more, I can’t really help it because I love, she bursts through the door and she’s like, ‘Good Morning, Mommy,'” Osaka said.
Looking to win her first tour-level title since triumphing at the 2021 Australian Open, Osaka acknowledged that it would be particularly meaningful to end her drought at the DC Open, as it feels like a home event, and having Shai by her side makes it all the more special.
“I mean honestly coming off Wimbledon it would mean a lot, especially here. I feel like everyone’s so kind to me and it really does feel like home. So I really appreciate everyone. And I was telling my team it kind of feels like my backyard because I drove up here from my house and, my daughter’s here, so I would appreciate winning here a lot. But obviously there’s two more matches to go against two very good opponents,” she added.
MORE: Naomi Osaka Refuses To Push Daughter Shai To Become a Tennis Star – ‘I Don’t Think I’d Encourage It’
Up next, Naomi Osaka will square off against Alexandra Eala in a blockbuster semifinal clash at the DC Open, just days after the four-time Grand Slam champion showered praise on Eala and hailed her as an “amazing” inspiration.
If Osaka emerges victorious in her first tour-level meeting with Eala, she will face either Jessica Pegula or Diana Shnaider in the final at the WTA 500 event.
