Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka returns with important news after taking a long break from active sports.
The four-time Grand Slam champion announced the big family news to her fans today: she posted a sonogram of her baby on social media:
“I’m looking forward to getting back on the court, but I have a little news for 2023.”
Can’t wait to get back on the court but here’s a little life update for 2023. pic.twitter.com/GYXRnutU3I
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) January 11, 2023
Osaka also made a small explanation in English and Japanese:
“These few months away from the sport have given me a new love and appreciation for the game I’ve dedicated my life to”.
“I know that I have so much to look forward to in the future; one thing I’m looking forward to is for my kid to watch some of my matches and tell someone: ‘That’s my mom.’”
Naomi Osaka has officially withdrawn from the Australian Open, which she has won twice.
She also added that she hopes to return to the tournament next year.
Osaka has been dating American rapper Kordae since 2019. There were rumors that the couple split last August, which turned out to be false. The Grammy-nominated musician confirmed that he is the father of Naomi’s child.
The former women’s No. 1 played her last official match last September in Tokyo. In the opening match, she beat Daria Saville, but she could not overcome the barrier of Beatrice Hadad Maia.
In addition to Osaka, other Australian Grand Slam champions took a break from tennis for family reasons:
Ash Barty also recently announced that she is expecting a child. 2018 champion Caroline Wozniacki had her second child in October last year. Serena Williams last won the tournament in 2017, before Alexis Olympia was born.
To remind you, Naomi Osaka is still holding the status of the highest-paid female athlete.
