Naomi Osaka announces pregnancy, plans to return to competition
Tennis star Naomi Osaka has announced she is pregnant in an Instagram post this morning.
The 25-year-old posted a picture of an ultrasound, saying she “can’t wait to get back on the court”.
“These few months away from the sport has (sic) really given me a new love and appreciation for the game,” she wrote.
“I realize that life is so short and I don’t take any moments 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 one of my matches and tell someone, ‘That’s my mom’.”
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The four-time grand slam champion withdrew her name from this year’s Australian Open last week.
Her withdrawal is another blow to the event, after Venus William and the male world number one player, Carlos Alcaraz dropped out.
“When I was at my best in preseason, I picked up an injury through a chance, unnatural movement in training,” the 19-year-old said in a post to Twitter.
“I’d worked so hard to get to my best level for Australia but unfortunately I won’t be able to play.
“It’s tough, but I have to be optimistic, recover and look forward.”
I'd worked so hard to get to my best level for Australia but unfortunately I won't be able to play the Care A2+ Kooyong or the Australian Open. It's tough, but I have to be optimistic, recover and look forward. See you in 2024 @AustralianOpen ❤️
— Carlos Alcaraz (@carlosalcaraz) January 6, 2023
Image: Mark Brown/Getty Images