4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka announces pregnancy, plans to return at Australian Open 2024

Former world number one Naomi Osaka on Wednesday announced that she is pregnant with her first child and treated her fans with a picture of an ultrasound.

The four-time Grand Slam champion took to Twitter to pen a heartfelt note in both England and Japanese, saying: “Can’t wait to get back on the court, but here’s a little life update for 2023.”

Initially, no official reason was given by the Australian Open when the tournament announced that Osaka had withdrawn from the 2023 season’s first major.

The 25-year-old Osaka, in a note, said: “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 some of my matches and tell someone, ‘That’s my mom,’ haha.

“2023 will be a year that’ll be full of lessons for me, and I hope I’ll see you guys at the start of the next one ’cause I’ll be at Aus 2024. Love you all infinitely.

“Sidenote: I don’t think there’s a perfectly correct path to take in life but I always felt that if you move forward with good intentions you’ll find your way eventually,” Osaka concluded.