Former world number one Naomi Osaka is gearing up for a return to professional tennis at the Brisbane International after a hiatus since September 2022.
The 26-year-old, a four-time Grand Slam champion, took time off to give birth to her daughter, Shai, in July and to address mental health challenges associated with the sport’s pressures.
Osaka, who played a ceremonial role at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, expressed a mix of nerves, excitement, and happiness as she prepares to resume competition. Looking ahead, she aims to participate in the Paris Olympics next summer.
Reflecting on her tennis journey, Osaka emphasized a desire to deepen her understanding of the game. She articulated her aspirations, stating, “I definitely want to win more Grand Slams and I guess put in more time in the French Open and Wimbledon, and play the Paris Olympics.”
Osaka, representing Japan at the Tokyo Games, faced challenges, bowing out in the third round to Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic. The unique circumstances of the event, with limited spectators due to Covid-19, added a layer of complexity to her Olympic experience.
Having secured major titles at the Australian Open and the US Open, Osaka is set to make her Grand Slam comeback at the Australian Open in January. She noted that her perspective has shifted with motherhood, stating, “I’ve never been a person that’s really good at playing for myself, if that makes sense.”
Expressing a newfound sense of responsibility, Osaka shared, “I kind of like the feeling of having the responsibility of having to take care of Shai and wanting to show her around the world. I kind of feel more like I’m playing for her.”
Source: AFP
