New mother Naomi Osaka eyes Australian Open return, busy 2024

Former world No 1 and four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka has confirmed she plans to return at the Australian Open, as she eyes a busy 2024 following the birth of her first child.

The 25-year-old Japanese star appeared at the US Open on Wednesday for an interview with the tournament’s US broadcaster ESPN, after given birth to daughter Shai in July.

She last competed nearly a year ago, having announced her pregnancy in January, but will look to gradually regain her form at the start of 2024 with a packed schedule which includes Melbourne in January, where she has twice lifted the trophy.

“It’s definitely way more tournaments than I used to play. I think some people will be happy with that,” said Osaka, who was the top-ranked player in the world in 2019 but has now slipped to No 603.

“I think it’s because I realised I don’t know how the beginning of the year is going to go for me.

“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.”

Osaka also took part in a forum with US swimming legend Michael Phelps at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre on Wednesday.

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The pair discussed mental health issues in sport, a subject Osaka has been vocal about suffering from during her career.

“I also learned a lot from the conversation. I feel like my role is to raise awareness and let people know that they are not alone,” said Osaka, who won the other two of her four major championships at Flushing Meadows.

“It seems to me that physical pain is the same as mental pain. We have doctors to ensure physical health, but when we talk about mental health, it’s not that widely accepted.”

Osaka also touched on the emotions she felt when she was not able to travel or train regularly during her pregnancy.

“I’m only familiar with tennis,” she said. “It’s also a new experience for me after being away from tennis for a long time. Being in a new situation and not being able to train the way I want makes me feel like I just want to stay at home.

She did, however, reveal she has recently been practising with legendary tennis couple Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf, at the insistence of famed coach Brad Gilbert.

“I talked a lot with Brad, and one day he said Andre was coming [to California], let’s play ball with him, and get together. I got there and Steffi was there, and I was very nervous, but they were all very excited.

“She’s [Graf] nice, but also very strict, and it would be cool if she coached a player. I’d love to get some advice from her now and then because she knows exactly what she’s talking about.”

After the forum, Osaka watched the men’s singles quarter-finals on Arthur Ashe Stadium, and admitted she cannot wait to get back on the same court.

“I’ve been watching the game, and I kind of wish I was playing,” she said. “But I’m in this situation, and I’m also very grateful. I really love my daughter, but I feel like it really ignites a fire inside of me.

“It would be cool if my daughter could be proud of me. I also want to wait until she’s old enough to see me on the court and say, ‘Wow, that’s my mom.’

“I will definitely arrange my time more strategically, and every minute should not be wasted. I will pay more attention to my words and deeds. Someone will consciously look at me. I learned a lot from my parents, and she will definitely do the same.

“It’s an amazing feeling. I still call my mom a lot. It’s kind of weird to know this little girl is going to grow up to do the same thing, but I’m so excited about it.”