2023-12-29 18:09:00
We know that the year 2024 will be that of Rafael Nadal’s big return to competition, following long months of absence. But the Australian tour which should culminate with the first Grand Slam of the season, the Australian Open, is also an opportunity to see former world number 1 Naomi Osaka once more.
While she has not played a single professional match since the end of September 2022, the Japanese, plagued by major stress management problems, and pregnant, had decided to take a break during the year 2023. While she will compete in the WTA 500 in Brisbane for her return to the courts, she indicated that “becoming a mother has changed [s]for life”, as reported by the Brisbane International.
In training during the holidays, Osaka prepares her big return to the circuit
I will try to have fun and play well at the same time
“I think it changed the way I see things,” continued the double winner in Melbourne (2019, 2021). Giving birth (to Shai, her daughter who she gave birth to in July, Editor’s note) was one of the most painful things I went through. It made me realize that, physically, I can take a lot.”
And the double winner of the US Open does not intend to come back to play supporting roles: “I want to show Shai that she is capable of anything. This is one of my main goals and one of the reasons why I want to be back (on the courts).” Osaka, however, refuses to advance too much for the upcoming tournament. “That’s a tough question,” she said when asked if she should be a contender for the trophy in the Queensland capital.
“I haven’t played in over a year, so I don’t know. I gave myself the chance to do well, but I didn’t play a match. For now, I’m just happy that it’s my first tournament in a long time. I will try to have fun and play well at the same time,” promised the one who will ultimately try to shake up the very best, including .
“Nothing prevents Nadal from facing Djokovic in the first round of the Australian Open”
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