Grand Slam tennis: Naomi Osaka has declared that she will return to Grand Slam competition at the 2024 Australian Open. Shortly after withdrawing from the 2023 Australian Open, she had announced that she was expectant with her first child. However, the former World No. 1 has declared her intention to return to competitive tennis with vigour.
Since September 2022, the 25-year-old has not played professionally, and at the Australian Open 2023, she officially announced that she would be taking a step back. The four-time Grand Slam champion returned to the US Open in 2023, but not as a player. ESPN conducted an interview with her during a guest engagement. When asked in the interview if she had a plan for the upcoming year, she confirmed that she does. When asked about her intentions for the upcoming season, she stated, “I’ll be participating in significantly more tournaments than in the past.”
Two-time champion Naomi Osaka withdraws from Australian Open 2023
Naomi Osaka announces her return to Grand Slam tennis
Osaka stated that some individuals would be pleased with her decision to visit the court more frequently than in the past. The Japanese athlete also discussed making a comeback. She was planning to play an unprecedented number of matches.
Naomi Osaka plans to play more tournaments in her return, including the Australian Open 🙌 @naomiosaka pic.twitter.com/iUdnkGv0st
— ESPN (@espn) September 6, 2023
While Osaka had already reduced the number of tournaments she participated in due to her mental health, she withdrew from competitive tennis at the 2023 Australian Open. Shortly after her January withdrawal, she informed the world that she was expecting her first child. In July of 2023, she gave birth to her daughter.
In an interview with ESPN, Osaka proclaimed her return to the professional tennis circuit. She also stated that she would be participating in more tournaments than before.
She responded, “Honestly, I think it’s because I’ve realised that I don’t know how the beginning of the year is going to go for me.”Osaka stated that she was unfamiliar with her current level of play and needed to “ease into” the match. She explained that she hopes for a prosperous conclusion of the year and is preparing herself accordingly.
Prior to ending her season, the former world number one was in the finest shape of her career. While Osaka has not been seen on the court since his withdrawal, her fans are eagerly anticipating her return.
