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Naomi Osaka has confirmed that she plans to play at January’s Australian Open after giving birth to her first child, Shai, this summer. The former World No. 1 also intends to play “way more tournaments” than she used to partake in before her pregnancy in a different approach to before her time away.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Osaka, 25, announced that she was expecting a child days before the first Grand Slam of this year, curtailing her season before it had even begun. At the time, she told her fans she was aiming to be back for the 2024 edition, and that remains the case.<\/p>\n
The four-time Slam winner’s final match before announcing her pregnancy was at the Pan Pacific Open in September 2022. After advancing through the first round thanks to her opponent, Daria Gavrilova, retiring, she then withdrew from the second stage, citing abdominal pains.<\/p>\n
Over a year later, Osaka was at the U.S. Open on Wednesday, speaking about mental health in sports on a panel alongside Michael Phelps. She was also spotted at Arthur Ashe Stadium watching 2021 champion Daniil Medvedev beat Andrey Rublev in straight sets.<\/p>\n
Don’t miss… <\/strong> While in Flushing Meadows, she spoke with ESPN’s Chris McKendry about her return to the sport. After admitting that her schedule for next year is in place, Osaka did divulge further details.<\/p>\n “Um, it’s definitely way more tournaments than I used to play,” she said. “So I think some people will be happy with that.<\/p>\n Osaka explained: “Honestly, I think it’s because I realize, like, I don’t know how the beginning of the year is gonna go for me. Like, I don’t know the level of play, and I think I kind of have to ease into it.<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n “So, at the very least, I’m gonna set myself up for a very good, like, end of the year.”\u00a0That bodes well for next year’s U.S. Open. By then, Coco Gauff could enter that competition as the defending champion.<\/p>\n Asked about the American, Osaka was effusive in praising the teenager after playing down the suggestion that she mentored her. \u201cI\u2019m always really proud of everything she does,” she said.<\/p>\n “Like, she seems like such a good person. And just everything she\u2019s doing and speaking out about so many different topics.<\/p>\n “I think it\u2019s something that I would love my kid to look up after her as a role model. And just seeing her doing well in, like, her home Grand Slam is really cool, and I cheer for her every match that she plays.\u201d<\/p>\n Osaka also spoke about the moms that she would be rejoining on the tour. Caroline Wozniacki and Elina Svitolina have returned to the sport since giving birth this year alone, with Angelique Kerber aiming to become another.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we\u2019re probably gonna form a group chat or something,” she said while laughing. “Um, but it’s really good to see everyone playing well again and to see familiar faces.<\/p>\n
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