Tennis star Naomi Osaka has had her hands full as she gave birth to a beautiful daughter earlier this year. While the former world number one embraced motherhood, she is also gearing up to make a grand return to tennis. Osaka has been away from the sport for a long time. However, the 4-time Grand Slam champion is working hard to make a comeback, even if she stumbled a little along the way.
Naomi went on maternity leave in September last year. Osaka was spotted training hard just days after giving birth to her daughter Shai. She will join the likes of Elina Svitolina and others, who made a remarkable comeback after having a child.
Naomi recently shared a video of herself back on the training courts and can be seen practicing her strokes down the line. That was not all though, as Osaka shared a blooper of her mistiming a backhanded shot, which got a laugh out of her.
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Prior to the birth of her daughter, Naomi had spoken about her fears, especially with regard to her career. However, it is wonderful to see her back on the tennis, exactly where she belongs.
Since Naomi shared this post on her Instagram, fans showered her with love. Some fans also teased Osaka for missing the shot, as one user commented, “Postpartum humility is REAL.”
Naomi Osaka was last seen at the Tokyo Olympics in 2022. She had a decent year, by her own standards. While pregnancy has kept her away from the sport, she is determined to stamp her authority on the court again.
Naomi Osaka has her eyes on the prize
Osaka may have been away from the sport for over a year, but she has concrete plans for a return. The 4-time Grand Slam champion is aiming to kick off her campaign at the Australian Open next year, where she has already won the title.
Naomi is exercising caution though, as she does not know her level of play just yet. However, she is certain that she will play a lot of tournaments, more than what she used to before her pregnancy.
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“I don’t know the level of play and I think I kind of have to ease into it. It’s definitely way more tournaments than I used to play,” she said (via BBC).
Naomi Osaka is certainly keen to return to the game she loves so much. Given her skills and determination, her return will be a memorable one.
