In a highly anticipated announcement, four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has revealed her intention to make a triumphant return to professional tennis at the 2024 Australian Open. The 25-year-old Japanese tennis sensation took a break from the sport following the birth of her daughter, Shai, in July, and her last competitive appearance dates back to September 2022 at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.
In an exclusive interview with ESPN during the US Open on Wednesday, Osaka confirmed her plans to grace the courts of Melbourne next year when asked if she would be participating in the prestigious tournament. Her return to the tennis world has generated considerable excitement among fans and fellow athletes.
Osaka’s hiatus from tennis was not just a period of personal reflection and family time, but it also served as a source of motivation. She expressed that her time away “really fueled a fire in me,” signaling her readiness to make a grand comeback to the sport that has brought her immense success.
The tennis star, who recently took part in a mental health forum at Flushing Meadows alongside legendary swimmer Michael Phelps, has ambitious plans for her return. She envisions a full-time comeback to the women’s tour in 2024, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to compete at the highest level once again.
Addressing her altered tournament schedule for the upcoming season, Osaka acknowledged the need for a cautious approach. She stated, “It’s definitely way more tournaments than I used to play. I think it’s because I realize, like, I don’t know how the beginning of the year is going to go for me. I don’t know the level of play, and I think I kind of have to ease into it, so at the very least I’m going to set myself up for a very good end of the year.”
Notably, Osaka’s world ranking has experienced a significant shift during her break from the sport. Once the top-ranked player in the world in 2019, she now holds the 603rd position. However, her remarkable track record remains a testament to her prowess on the tennis court. Osaka has secured four Grand Slam singles titles, including two victories at the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, as well as triumphs at the US Open in 2018 and 2020.
Tennis enthusiasts around the globe eagerly anticipate Naomi Osaka’s return to the tennis courts, and her journey back to the top of the rankings promises to be one of the most captivating storylines in the world of sports in the coming year.
