On Wednesday, tennis sensation Naomi Osaka took to social media to share exciting news with her fans and followers. She revealed that she is expecting a child and shared a photo of an ultrasound scan.
“The past few years have been quite the rollercoaster, but I've come to realize that it's often the most challenging times in life that can be the most fulfilling,” the four-time major champion wrote.
The hiatus from competitive tennis has given Osaka a newfound appreciation for the sport she has dedicated her life to. She even announced her plans to return to the game in 2024 for the Australian Open, a tournament she has won twice before.
“I have so much to look forward to in the future,” she said. “One of the things I'm most excited about is having my child watch me play and be able to say, ‘that's my mom.’”
Osaka withdrew from the upcoming Australian Open, as announced by tournament organizers on Sunday. She has not played since September of last year, when she took some time off to focus on her mental health. Following an emotional incident at a mandatory news conference at Roland Garros in August 2021, Osaka revealed that she had been struggling with depression since winning her first major championship in 2018.
“Life doesn't always have a clear path, but I believe that if you move forward with good intentions, you'll find your way eventually,” Osaka added in her statement.
We wish Naomi Osaka all the best on her journey to motherhood, and can't wait to see her back on the court in 2024!