Naomi Osaka has officially returned to tennis after a 15-month hiatus. The four-time Grand Slam champion made her return at the Brisbane International. After losing her round of 32 match to Karolína Plíšková, the star player credited the legends of the game, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, for her successful return to tennis.
In the past, Naomi Osaka had taken breaks, claiming she wasn’t enjoying playing tennis. Now that she’s returned, the WTA star was asked if she’s enjoying herself playing tennis now. To his, she replied:
“I think I’m enjoying myself a lot more. I also realize there’s a lot of things that aren’t in my control. I feel more aware that I’m playing the best players in the world. Both of us have an opportunity to win.
Naomi Osaka revealed that she has been training very hard to return after giving birth to her daughter in 2023. During her hiatus, her childhood heroes, Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova, also retired. Osaka claimed that their retirement made her realise that she does have much time left and should enjoy it while she can.
I also just think I’ve trained so hard after giving birth that I need to enjoy these moments. I think in a way, watching Sharapova and Serena retiring, I know that the tennis lifespan isn’t that long, so I should enjoy it while I can.”
Editors pick
