NAOMI Osaka has announced that she is pregnant with her first child, and will not play any active tennis anymore this year.
The 25-year-old Japanese-American star is planning to return to action at the 2024 Australian Open.
Osaka pulled out of the first Grand Slam of the year last week, giving no official reason for her withdrawal.
The Australian Open is scheduled for January 16 to January 30 in Melbourne.
Today, she posted a picture of a baby scan on Twitter.
“Can’t wait to get back on the court but here’s a little life update for 2023,” she captioned the photo.
She wrote: “The past few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find that its the most challenging times in life that may be the most fun. These few months away from the sport has really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I’ve dedicated my life to.
“I realise that life is so short and I don’t take any moment for granted, everyday 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 my matches and tell someone, ‘that’s my mom’.”
“2023 will be a year that’s full of lessons for me and I hope to see you guys at the start of the next one because I’ll be at Australian Open 2024. Love you all infinitely.”
She ended the post with a ‘sidenote’: “I don’t think there’s a perfectly correct path to take in life but I always felt if you move forward with good intentions you’ll find your way eventually.”
Last week Osaka posted pictures on social media of a trip to Europe with her American rapper boyfriend Cordae, who is believed to be the father of the child she is expecting.
Osaka took a mental health break after missing the 2021 French Open and later said she had been struggling with depression and anxiety for several years.
