Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the opening Grand Slam of the year just over a week before it starts. Photo: Naomi Osaka/Twitter

Naomi Osaka sets sights on 2024 Australian Open comeback

Naomi Osaka is gearing up for a triumphant return to the tennis world, with her sights set on the 2024 Australian Open.

by Agence France-Presse

07-09-2023 12:05

in Tennis

Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka has pulled out of the opening Grand Slam of the year just over a week before it starts. Photo: Naomi Osaka/Twitter

Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka plans to return to tennis in time for the 2024 Australian Open, saying Wednesday her break from the sport “really fueled a fire in me”.

ALSO READ: It’s a girl! Tennis star Naomi Osaka welcomes baby with Cordae

Naomi Osaka

The 25-year-old Japanese star gave birth to daughter Shai in July and hasn’t played since September 2022, when she made her last tournament appearance at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo.

In an interview with ESPN at the US Open on Wednesday, Osaka replied “yes” when asked if she would be in Melbourne at the start of next year.

ALSO READ: Naomi Osaka drops pregnancy bombshell, back in 2024

Osaka, who participated in a mental health forum with swimming legend Michael Phelps at Flushing Meadows, said she was anticipating making a full-time return to the women’s tour in 2024.

ALSO READ: Australian Open: Naomi Osaka, Venus Williams add to no-shows

“It’s definitely way more tournaments than I used to play,” said Osaka.

“I think it’s because I realise like I don’t know how the beginning of the year is going to go for me,” she explained.

“I don’t know the level of play and I think I kind of have to ease into it, so at the very least I’m going to set myself up for a very good end of the year.”