Naomi Osaka will return to the Australian Open after the birth of her daughter

Naomi Osaka had a wild performance at the US Open in New York. Photo: AP Photo/Mary Altaffer

Four-time major champion Naomi Osaka, who welcomed daughter Shai in July, has confirmed she is aiming for the Australian Open in January to return to the elite competition.

Wo During an interview with ESPN's US Open broadcaster, Osaka said she had begun the process of strengthening her body but had not yet started hitting again. She played her last tournament in Tokyo in September 2022.

Osaka attended the US Open in part to take part in a mental health forum that also included swimming icon Michael Phelps. During her speech at the forum, which was held under the Arthur Ashe stadium, she was asked if her break from the game was long or short.

«It seemed both long and short,» Osaka replied. “I remember watching the Australian Open [2023] and being devastated because I never missed the Australian Open. When I watched Serena and Venus, I thought, «I don't think I'll ever act at that age.» But now I'm sitting here and thinking, maybe I'll do it.”

Later, in an interview with ESPN's Chris McKendry, Osaka explained that she would probably try to play a couple of WTA events in January to prepare for the Australian Open in the middle of that month.

Naomi Osaka won the 2019 Australian Open. Photo: Getty Images/David Gray

Osaka opened up about her depression and anxiety issues when she withdrew from the 2021 French Open. Later, she took long breaks from the game to protect her mental health.

Her recent absence «really increased my love for tennis.» sports and it made me realize that I'm not going to do sports forever. I have to take the time. I have been playing tennis since I was three,” she said. «I don't think I can predict what I'll do — I'll never be able to — but it definitely made me appreciate a lot of the things I took for granted.»

She also said that she need to find a new coach she can trust. Her previous coach, Wim Fissette, is now working with China's Qinwen Wang.

When asked about her schedule for 2024, Osaka replied: “There are definitely a lot more tournaments than I played before. I don't know how the beginning of the year will turn out for me. I don't know what level the game is at, and I think I need to put up with it, so at least I'll set myself up for a very good end of the year.»