Naomi Osaka Confirms Pregnancy, Will Return in 2024

Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, announced on Wednesday that she is expecting her first child and plans to return to tennis in 2024. The 25-year-old revealed the news in a social media post, writing a heartfelt note to fans in both English and Japanese alongside an ultrasound photo.

“Can’t wait to get back on the court, but here’s a little life update for 2023,” former World No.1 wrote. Notably, no official reason was given by the Australian Open when the tournament announced Osaka’s withdrawal last week, and she says she hopes to come back better than ever to the WTA Tour in 2024, with a new young fan in tow.

“These few months away from the sport have really given me a new love and appreciation for the game to which I’ve dedicated my life,” she continued.

“I know I have a lot to look forward to in the future; one thing I want is for my child to watch some of my matches and say, ‘That’s my mom.’

2023 will be a year full of lessons for me, and I hope to see you at the start of the next one because I’ll be in Australia in 2024 “She went on to say.

Osaka last competed in September at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, where she won her first match against Daria Saville by retirement before withdrawing from her second-round match against Beatriz Haddad Maia due to abdominal pain.

Off the court, she celebrated the December release of her children’s book, The Way Champs Play, and announced earlier this month the signing of World No.2 to her sports agency Evolve.

Osaka last competed in September at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, where she won her first match against Daria Saville by retirement before withdrawing from her second-round match against Beatriz Haddad Maia due to abdominal pain.