Four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka has confirmed she does plan to return to tennis after giving birth to her first child.
Osaka announced she was pregnant back in January after pulling out of the Australian Open, a tournament she has won twice. The 25-year-old said she would be absent for the entire 2023 season, but had plans to return at next year's Australian Open.
And in a new interview with WBS in Japan, Osaka has reaffirmed those plans, stating: "I definitely plan to come back... it's kind of like a break a little bit, but also I feel very competitive still."
Osaka won her first Grand Slam singles title in 2018, when she beat Serena Williams to win the US Open. She then followed that up with victories at the 2019 and 2021 Australian Open, as well as another US Open win in 2020.
When she first announced she was expecting her first child with her rapper boyfriend Cordae, who she has been dating since 2019, Osaka opened up about her off-court struggles with mental health.
"The past few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find that it's the most challenging times in life that may be the most fun," she wrote on social media. "These few months away from the sport has really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I've dedicated my life to.
"I realise that life is so short and I don't take any moment for granted, everyday is a new blessing and adventure. I know that I have so much to look forward to in the future, one thing I'm looking forward to is for my kid to watch my matches and tell someone, 'that's my mom'.
"2023 will be a year that's full of lessons for me and I hope to see you guys at the start of the next one because I'll be at Aus 2024. Love you all infinitely.
"Sidenote: I don't think there's a perfectly correct path to take in life but I always felt if you move forward with good intentions you'll find your way eventually."
