(Photo credit score: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)
Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka stated she has the “itch” to compete, though her return to the WTA Tour will not come till 2024.
Osaka, 25, gave start to her first youngster, daughter Shai, in July, however has already resumed coaching with a watch on subsequent 12 months.
“I’m doing a lot, which I think shocks a lot of people,” Osaka informed ESPN on the U.S. Open on Wednesday. “But for me, I was kind of training during the pregnancy, too, so it’s not hard on my body at all.”
Osaka, who has been open about her struggles with psychological well being, was on the U.S. Open to talk on a panel together with former Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps. She additionally took time to look at among the motion at Flushing Meadows.
“I’ve been watching matches and I’ve kind of wished that I was playing, too,” she stated. “But I’m in this position now, and I’m very grateful. I really love my daughter a lot, but I think that it really fueled a fire in me.”
That hearth has led to a busy schedule for Osaka, who plans to be on the first main of 2024 on the Australian Open in January. Osaka gained the title in Melbourne in 2019 and 2021, however the former No. 1-ranked participant on the earth has modest expectations upon her return to competitors.
“It’s definitely way more tournaments than I used to play, so I think some people will be happy with that,” she stated. “It’s as a result of I noticed that I do not understand how the start of the 12 months goes to go for me. I do not understand how the extent of play, and I believe that I’ve to sort of ease into it.
“So at the very least, I’m going to set myself up for a very good end of the year.”
Osaka stated she has watched the success a number of gamers have had just lately of their returns after changing into moms, and she or he’s impressed to compete with Shai watching.
“It would be cool if she was proud of me,” Osaka stated. “And I also just want her to be old enough to see me playing on the court and being, ‘Wow, that’s my mom!’ “
–Field Level Media