Tennis star Naomi Osaka is on maternity leave at present. She has her hands full with her newborn daughter, Shai, whom she welcomed back in July. Osaka has been away from the sport since last year; however, she stated her plans to return next year. Now it seems that her comeback might happen this year itself.
Osaka quickly rose through the ranks, winning four Grand Slams in quick succession. Naomi won over fans with her skills on the court and her charm off of it. This is exactly why fans are excited at the prospect of seeing Naomi playing again at the United Cup.
Osaka’s name appeared on the initial list for the tournament, which will be held between December 29, 2023, to January 7, 2024. Players will take to the RAC Arena in Perth and the Ken Rosewall Arena in Sydney and feature mixed teams.
The top players already signed up for United Cup. Registration deadline is October 17.
🇺🇸
Pegula, Fritz🇬🇷
Tsitsipas, Sakkari🇳🇴
Ruud🇩🇪
Zverev, Kerber🇯🇵
Osaka, Nishioka🇭🇷
Vekić, Ćorić🇨🇦
Auger-Aliassime, Fernandez🇨🇿
Vondroušová🇵🇱
Hurkacz🇬🇧
Norrie🇧🇷
Haddad Maia— Parsa (@Parsa_Nemati) October 12, 2023
Some of the biggest names from both the ATP and the WTA feature on the list for the event. Naomi and Yoshihito Nishioka will represent Japan in the doubles category.
Fans are buzzing with excitement, hoping to see Naomi in action again. The player has been practicing as well and even shared a clip of herself on the tennis court. One user was clearly so elated to see the list that they commented, “Naomi made my day.” Here are a few more reactions to the news.
Naomi🥹🥹 made my day https://t.co/rikIFXtINS
— j 🥨🧀🃏 (@user479036178) October 13, 2023
NAOMI I MISSED U SO MUCH https://t.co/J4ErArtwjR
— leylah winning HK??? (@leylahosaka) October 14, 2023
Naomi finally back on an entry list 😍😍 https://t.co/MGQuTsxivx pic.twitter.com/v6my9ugoff
— Shank (@Shankballs) October 13, 2023
Naomi Osaka has been a champion of the game. The former world number one’s influence extends well beyond the boundaries of the tennis court. Besides Naomi, another player is rumored to make an early comeback next year.
Naomi Osaka, Rafael Nadal and others set to play at the Australian Open
Craig Tilley, the director of the Australian Open, recently announced that Nadal will certainly play at the Australian Open. Tilley confirmed, that besides Nadal, other greats like Osaka, Caroline Wozniacki, and Angelique Kerber will participate.
The Spaniard had given an update about his possible return to tennis, but he is well on track to make a comeback sooner than anticipated. “We can reveal exclusively here that Rafa will be back,” he said (via The Independent).
Australian star Nick Kyrgios is also eyeing a possible return to the Grand Slam. Kyrgios has been on the sidelines for the majority of the year and is itching to return. With former champions Naomi Osaka, Rafael Nadal, and Caroline Wozniacki touted to play, it will be a glittering affair.