Naomi Osaka sends clear message ahead of comeback to tennis

• Tennis News
• WTA Tennis

Naomi Osaka, 25, has told her fans she is "excited" about her upcoming return to tennis and seeing them again. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, recently welcomed her first child. In the upcoming period, Osaka plans to start working out again and hitting the practice court.

Earlier this year, Osaka said she will miss the entire 2023 season but plans to start her 2024 season in Australia. “I’m excited to have the opportunity [to play] again. I’ve been playing tennis since I was three, and I think it’s one of those things where I needed to take a step back to appreciate it more.

I also just really want to see fans again. During COVID, the distance hit me really hard," Osaka told Vogue.

Osaka wants to make great results again

When Osaka won her fourth Grand Slam title at the 2021 Australian Open, she celebrated her 23rd birthday just a month earlier.

But shortly after winning her fourth Grand Slam title, Osaka opened up about her battle with depression and anxiety and she didn't really play much in the next year and a half. "I'm definitely going to perform well and be a better player than I have been last year.

For me, my results just made me want to try harder and be the best that I can be. I’ll be competing in Australia next year," Osaka said during an interview with a Japanese journalist earlier this year. In May, Osaka took to Twitter to send a message to those doubting her career post-pregnancy.

"Btw to the people that are suddenly concerned about my career. There are plenty of male athletes with kids that are significantly less accomplished, you might wanna worry about them instead. Thanks for the concern, might wanna redirect it to someone that needs it though. Not trying to make this a male and female thing but let’s be fr," Osaka tweeted in May.