3 minute read

Approaching her first major since becoming a mother, former world No.1 Naomi Osaka believes the break helped her realise how "precious" tennis is to her.

Former world No.1 Naomi Osaka will return to the Australian Open for the first time since 2022 with a new-found sense of gratitude.

The two-time Open champion is set to make her first appearance in a major since giving birth to daughter Shai last July when she faces French 16th seed Caroline Garcia on Rod Laver Arena on Monday night.

Before becoming a mother, Osaka was open about her battles with mental ill health and took extended breaks from the sport while at the top of her game.

There was a fear in some circles of tennis that the 26-year-old might never return to the sport due to those factors.

Instead, Osaka is among a contingent of stars - Caroline Wozniacki, Angelique Kerber and Elina Svitolina the others - returning to the court at Melbourne Park after having children.

"I've taken a lot of breaks throughout the years," Osaka said in the lead-up to her eagerly-anticipated opening round match.

"I feel like for me, I think this one was the one that finally clicked in my head.

"I think I realised being an athlete, that time is really precious.

"I was young and I felt like I could kind of roll back into it whenever I needed to.

"I guess like after having Shai, kind of going through the struggle of trying to get myself back to where I want to be, it was incredibly tough.

"I have a much more positive mindset and a much more grateful mindset.

"I think overall I'm just happy to be here because I remember last year I was watching people playing Australian Open, and I couldn't participate myself."

Osaka has not played at grand slam level since losing in the first round at the US Open in August 2022.

The Japanese star heads back to Melbourne Park ranked No.833, the lowest she has been since 2012 when she was aged 15.

Osaka was able to account for German Tamara Korpatsch in Brisbane but then lost a tough three-setter against world No.37 Karolina Pliskova.

The four-time major champion labelled Garcia an "incredible player".

"She has every shot that a top-five player needs," Osaka said.

"My immediate thought was, 'OK, this is tough', but I definitely think I can achieve what I want to achieve.

"In a weird way I'm glad I'm playing a seed so that hopefully, if I get through that, the next match won't be as difficult."