Four-time Major champion Naomi Osaka will take a break from tennis to give a berth to her first child! Naomi will become a mother this year, expecting a child with her longtime boyfriend and rapper Cordae. Three days ago, Naomi withdrew from the Australian Open, and now we know the reason, the most beautiful one.
Osaka is eager to return to the court, expecting to compete in Australia next year and chase her fifth Major title. Naomi withdrew from the season’s first Major, not competing since giving Beatriz Haddad Maia a walkover in Tokyo last September.
The Japanese was on the entry list, although it was clear she would withdraw after not signing to play in Adelaide or Hobart ahead of Melbourne. Naomi is currently ranked 47th, playing 11 tournaments in 2022 and reaching one final in Miami.
The Japanese had taken a break from tennis to prioritize her mental health after skipping the 2021 Roland Garros.
Naomi Osaka will become a mother in 2023.
She later said she had been battling depression and anxiety for years.
A four-time Major champion is one of the highest-earning women athletes in the world, with a growing business portfolio. Osaka is 3-6 after Miami, struggling on the court and deciding to skip many tournaments. Naomi still feels a great passion for tennis, eager to make a comeback next year, starting from Australia, where she claimed titles in 2019 and 2021.
Naomi’s first Australian Open title came in 2019 following a thrilling final against Petra Kvitova. The 21-year-old prevailed 7-6, 5-7, 6-4 in two hours and 27 minutes to secure her second consecutive Major title after the 2018 US Open.
Two years later, Osaka prevailed over Garbine Muguruza to remain on the title course in Melbourne. She defeated Serena Williams in straight sets in the semi-final and toppled Jennifer Brady in the title clash to secure her fourth and last Major title.
“These few months away from the sport have really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I’ve dedicated my life to. I realize that life is so short, and I don’t take any moments for granted; every day is a new blessing and adventure.
I know that I have so much to look forward to in the future; one thing I’m looking forward to is for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, ‘that’s my mom,’ haha. 2023 will be a year full of lessons for me, and I hope I’ll see you guys at the start of the next one cause I will be back at the Australian Open 2024. Love you all infinitely,” Naomi Osaka said.
