Naomi Osaka has her mind set on winning Grand Slams again as she prepares to return to tennis. The 26-year-old has been out of action since September 2022 and gave birth to a baby girl in July of this year.
The former World No .1 has won four majors, all coming on hard courts. Osaka defeated Serena Williams to win her first grand Slam at the 2018 US Open. She followed that victory by winning the 2019 Australian Open, before winning both those majors for a second time in 2020 and 2021 respectively.
After a long layoff, the Japanese star will make her return at the Brisbane International in the first week of the 2024 season in January. Ahead of her comeback, Osaka made it clear that she wants to experience winning tennis’ biggest titles once again, including the Olympic gold medal with the Paris Olympics on the horizon.
“I definitely want to win more Grand Slams and I guess put in more time in the French Open and Wimbledon, and play the Paris Olympics,” the mother of one said. “I want to be someone that understands the game a lot more. In the first chapter of my tennis, I kind of got away with just being myself and playing with my instincts.”
Osaka is set to make her third main draw appearance at the Brisbane International, which is returning after a three-year hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. The player’s best results at the event were reaching the semifinals in 2019 and 2020. Her next appearance at the tournament will be her first as a mother, which is a big source of motivation for the player.
Having her daughter Shai has given Osaka added responsibility and she is looking forward to competing again and making her child proud. “I’ve never been a person that’s really good at playing for myself, if that makes sense.,” Osaka added. “So I kind of like the feeling of having the responsibility of having to take care of Shai and wanting to show her around the world. I kind of feel more like I’m playing for her.”
Another big name making their long-awaited return at the Brisbane International is 22-time Grand Slam champion and one of tennis’ all-time greats, Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard has not played since the 2023 Australian Open when he suffered a hip injury, which he had surgery to repair in June.
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For the last few months, the 37-year-old has been hard at work at his self-titled Rafael Nadal Academies in Mallorca and Kuwait preparing for his comeback. Announcing his return, Nadal said in a video posted on social media: “Hello everyone. After a year away from competition, it’s time to come back. It will be in Brisbane the first week of January. I’ll see you there.”
Organisers of the Brisbane International also announced Great Britain’s Andy Murray, who last played in October, would feature at the tournament. “It’s great to see the Brisbane International back and I am really looking forward to returning to Queensland this summer,” the two-time Olympic champion said. “I have great memories of winning the title in 2012 and 2013 and I would love to lift the trophy again for a third time in Brisbane.”
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