Naomi Osaka, a former world No. 1 tennis player, recently made the announcement that she is expecting her first child. Osaka plans to return to competitive tennis in 2024 at the Australian Open.
Last week, the Japanese woman, age 25, withdrew from the first Grand Slam of the year without giving an official reason. Today, however, she posted a snapshot from a video zone and confirmed on social media that she is pregnant.
“The last few years have been interesting, but this most difficult period of my life is perhaps the most fun. The last months away from sports have made me appreciate and love even more the game to which I have dedicated my life. I also realized that life is too short, and I don’t have to take some moments for granted. I know there’s a lot more ahead of me in the future, but one thing I’m most looking forward to is my kid watching one of my games and saying, “That’s my mother,” Osaka tweeted.
“2023 will be full of lessons, and I hope to see you early next year because I will be at the Australian Open in 2024. I love you all so much,” she added.
Osaka, who is 25 years old, has the 47th spot on the Women’s Tennis Association’s rankings at the present time (WTA). She holds seven different titles in her field. Holder of four Grand Slam titles, having previously triumphed at the Australian Open (in 2019 and 2021) as well as the US Open (2018, 2020). Osaka was formerly rated number one in the world, but in the past two or three years, she has battled issues related to her mental health, which has led to a decline in her standing in the rankings.
Naomi Osaka, born to a Japanese mother and Haitian father, initially made headlines in 2016. A streak of outstanding performances at the age of 19 earned the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Newcomer of the Year honour. It was only the beginning.
Osaka began her remarkable 2018 by upsetting then-world No. 1 Simona Halep en route to winning her first WTA championship at the prestigious Indian Wells tournament in March. Seven months later, she reached an entirely new level by defeating her idol Serena Williams in the US Open final.
Although the match was marked by controversy, with Williams receiving severe penalties for a continuing altercation with the umpire, there is no question as to who was the superior player. Osaka dominated from beginning to end. Osaka remained composed despite facing Williams, who was attempting to win a record-breaking 24th grand slam trophy in front of her home audience. A 114mph (183km/h) serve winner earned her a 6-2, 6-4 victory and a place in tennis history.
From the 16th of January till the 29th of January is when the Australian Open will be held.
