Pregnant Naomi Osaka reveals comeback goals post-maternity break
Naomi Osaka has said that she would like to win at least eight more Grand Slams as well as the Olympic gold medal after making a comeback post childbirth. Osaka is currently expecting her first child with plans to return early next year, preferably at the Australian Open.
Osaka announced that she was pregnant ahead of the start of the 2023 Australian Open in January. She last competed at the Japan Open in Tokyo back in September, withdrawing from her Round of 16 match due to an injury.
The Japanese tennis star struggled with form for over a year before going on maternity leave. However, the four-time Grand Slam singles champion has already set huge goals for herself upon comeback. When asked how many more Grand Slam titles she would like to win during a recent interview, Osaka was quick to say,
"Eight."
She also expressed her desire to clinch the Olympic gold medal, ideally at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
"I want to try to win the Olympics next year," Osaka said.
The 25-year-old feels that playing tennis at the highest level again will bring her great happiness and is excited to make a comeback.
"It makes me very excited to return to the sport....It's something that's going to make me very happy," she added.
Osaka's last tour-level title was the 2021 Australian Open, which she clinched with a win against Jennifer Brady in the final.
"I have to give myself more credit" - Naomi Osaka on her career so far
Naomi Osaka also looked back on her already successful career, admitting that she should give herself more credit than she does as she often fails to recognize her own achievements. Osaka feels that people everywhere should pat themselves on the back more than they do.
"I've been able to do so much. I just feel like I have to give myself more credit than I normally want to. I don't pat myself on the back and I think that's what people need to start doing to themselves more," Osaka expressed.
Osaka last won a Grand Slam match at the 2022 Australian Open, where she reached the third round as the defending champion. She lost in the first round of both the French Open and the US Open, missing Wimbledon in between.
She recently dropped outside the Top-300 of the WTA rankings and is currently ranked No. 314.