Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka is set to make a comeback to professional tennis in 2024, following the birth of her baby girl in July with rapper Cordae. She revealed her plans for an extensive tournament schedule next year.
Osaka expressed her intention to participate in more tournaments than before, emphasizing her focus on easing into her return to competitive tennis. She anticipates a busier schedule and aims to end the year on a high note.
During her break from the sport, Osaka watched matches and yearned to be back on the court. She acknowledged the impact of motherhood on her perspective, stating that it has reignited her passion for tennis.
Osaka's hiatus from tennis was marked by her candid discussions about mental health. She highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and expressed her role in raising awareness, emphasizing that it's essential to destigmatize mental health issues.
Osaka is gearing up for a significant return in 2024, with plans to participate in the Australian Open, a tournament she has previously triumphed in. She acknowledged that her break from tennis made her miss the sport immensely.
Meanwhile, at the US Open, reigning champion Daniil Medvedev voiced concerns about the extreme heat, calling it "dangerous." He raised questions about the impact of such conditions on players and the tournament but acknowledged the challenges of rescheduling matches due to heat. These developments in tennis highlight the return of Naomi Osaka to the sport and the ongoing challenges faced by players in demanding conditions like those at the US Open.