In her first competitive match since September 2022, tennis sensation Naomi Osaka marked a triumphant return to the court at the Brisbane International on Monday. The four-time major winner faced a tough battle against Tamara Korpatsch, needing three match points in the tiebreaker to secure a 6-3, 7-6 (9) victory.
Osaka’s absence from the Australian Open last year was attributed to her pregnancy, a fact she revealed later. The 24-year-old and her partner, rapper Cordae, welcomed their daughter Shai in Los Angeles in July, bringing about a significant shift in Osaka’s life.
“It’s a big change overnight,” acknowledged the former No. 1-ranked player. “For me, I love it a lot because… in a way, I would say (Shai) has helped me grow up so much so quickly.”
Osaka expressed how motherhood has impacted both her on and off-court perspectives. “Off the court, I’m more aware of people, and I appreciate them a lot more — even my opponents and everything,” she stated. “On the court, it’s just helping me be strong and staying in the moment more.”
The match on Monday showcased Osaka’s resilience and composure, especially when serving for the victory. Every missed opportunity only fueled her determination, with a sense that Shai was watching her. “A part of me felt like Shai was watching me. I wanted to do my best for her,” Osaka revealed.
Despite the nerves, Osaka highlighted her goal to be a positive role model for her daughter. “While I’m playing, I’m aware of it in the sense that I want to be a good role model for my daughter. Other than that, I think I’m pretty much trying to be the same old me.”
Having played only one competitive match since her first-round exit at the 2022 U.S. Open, Osaka has dedicated months to prepare for her comeback, emphasizing a renewed focus on living in the moment.
“The last couple of years that I played before I had my daughter, I didn’t return as much love as I was given,” Osaka admitted to the crowd at Pat Rafter Arena. “So, I really feel like that’s what I want to do in this chapter.”
Osaka’s attention is not only on her own game but also on the younger spectators in the crowd. “I guess like towards the end when I was signing autographs, I was more aware of kids. I see them differently now because now I’m a mom, too, and I can picture Shai being that age.”
The Japanese tennis star is set to face fellow former No. 1, three-time Brisbane International champion Karolina Pliskova, in the second round.
Osaka, who once held the No. 1 ranking, took a step back from the spotlight in 2021 after withdrawing from the French Open, citing mental health concerns. Her return to competitive tennis is marked by a newfound appreciation for the sport and a commitment to being a positive force both on and off the court
As the Brisbane International unfolds, tennis enthusiasts eagerly anticipate Osaka’s journey and the impact of her inspiring comeback. The tournament serves as a crucial tune-up event for the Australian Open, commencing on January 14 in Melbourne.
Osaka in Brisbane, ranking, and results in 2024
LWLWLWLLWL Ranked no.661, the Japanese owns a compiled 1-0 match record in 2024. The Japanese is currently having a run in Brisbane where she ousted the world no.83 Tamara Korpatsch 6-3 7-69.
Naomi Osaka will take on the world no.39 Karolina Pliskova in the 2nd round on Wednesday at 11:00 am on PAT RAFTER ARENA. Their current head to head is 3-2 for Pliskova.
The Japanese won 7 titles in her career: all of them conquered on hard courts. (See the list of her titles)
Naomi Osaka |
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