Mum-to-be Naomi Osaka to return to tennis in 2024

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka Photo: AFP

Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Australian Open last Sunday. No specific reason was given then. This former number one of Japan was away from tennis since last September. He withdrew from the second round of the Pan Pacific Tennis in Tokyo four months ago with lower abdominal pain. Osaka said in a tweet yesterday morning that she is going to be a mother. For this reason, he will not be seen in tennis until the beginning of 2024.

Osaka broke the news of becoming a mother on Twitter, saying, 'I know I have a lot ahead of me. But one thing I have to think about is my child. May he watch my matches and tell others stories. He should be able to say, this is not watching you play, and my mother.' Along with this post, Osaka also posted a scan photo of the mother.

The 25-year-old star also wrote on Twitter, '2023 is the year of my learning. I hope to see you all early next year. I will return with the 2024 Australian Open. Love everyone.'

In 2019, Osaka was the number one female tennis player in the world. When the 25-year-old pulled out of the Tokyo Pan Pacific tennis in September with lower back pain, many were concerned. As Osaka did not give any explanation in this regard, the confusion was increasing. The Japanese tennis star grew up in the United States. She is currently ranked 47th female tennis star in the world.

Osaka has won four Grand Slams so far including the Australian Open and the US Open. Won the US Open in 2018 and 2020. Won the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021. According to Forbes, a financial and business magazine, his net worth is 5 million 10 million US dollars. She is currently the richest female tennis star in the world. However, his commercial success is not yet fully reflected on the tennis court.

Osaka sparked controversy by skipping a press conference after a match at the French Open in 2021. The authorities also threatened to ban him. Because holding a press conference after a match at the French Open is part of a player's contract. Osaka later withdrew from the tournament. He then said that he has been suffering from depression since the 2018 US Open.