Tennis star Naomi Osaka announced on Wednesday that she was pregnant. The four-time Grand Slam winner, who is expecting her first child, will therefore not be in action again this year.
“The hardest moments in life are also the most fun. I know I have a lot to look forward to in life. Like my son who watches one of my games and then says to someone, ‘This is my mother,'” Osaka writes in a post on social media, accompanied by a photo of your baby’s ultrasound.
The 25-year-old Osaka hadn’t played on the WTA Tour for months. Her last competition dates back to September last year in Tokyo. The Japanese then decided to withdraw for her second round match against the Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia.
“During my months away, I’ve gained a new love and appreciation for the sport,” says Osaka. “2023 will be a year with many valuable lessons. I hope to see you all early next season. I will be there again at the 2024 Australian Open.”
Osaka’s career in the past two years has been less successful
Osaka has achieved many successes in recent years. She won the US Open in 2018 and 2020 and the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021. After her last Grand Slam title, Osaka’s career went downhill, she was struggling with mental issues and did not enjoy to play tennis for a long time.
Following her elimination at the 2021 US Open, Osaka decided to take a break. The former world number one returned in early 2022, but she has not come close to her old level and her previous successes.
Osaka reached the final of the hard-court tournament in Miami in the spring, but lost it to Poland’s Iga Swiatek by no chance. At the moment, Osaka occupies the 47th position in the world ranking. She recently signed up for the Australian Open, which starts on Monday.
