Naomi Osaka, the celebrated four-time Grand Slam champion, recently spoke about how becoming a mother has altered her outlook, particularly as she prepares for a major comeback at the Australian Open. After her last competitive appearance at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in late September 2022, Osaka took a hiatus following the birth of her daughter, Shai, in July.

During a visit to Brisbane's Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on Friday, Osaka shared insights into how motherhood has impacted her life.

“Being a mum has changed my life a lot. I think it changed my perspective on a lot of things,” Osaka said, via Reuters. “Giving birth was one of the most painful things I've ever gone through. It's definitely made me feel like physically I can handle a lot.

As Osaka makes her return to the WTA Tour at the Brisbane International on Sunday, her focus extends beyond her performance; she aims to be a positive example for her daughter.

“I want to show Shai that she's capable of everything, so that's one of my main purposes and main reasons why I want to be back out here,” she said.

Article Continues Below
More Tennis News
Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan returns a shot during her match against Iga Swiatek of Poland on day eight at Roland Garros Stadium.
WTA star Elena Rybakina’s coach appealing 1-year suspension for abuseMiguel La Torre ·
image thumbnail
Coco Gauff joins Venus Williams in history books with latest French Open winJess Koffie ·
Coco Gauff of the United States follows through on a shot during her match against Tereza Valentova of the Czech Republic on day five at Roland Garros Stadium.
Coco Gauff calls out French Open over women’s match schedulingJess Koffie ·
Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates winning his match against Fabian Marozsan of Hungary on day four at Roland Garros Stadium.
Deion Sanders shouts out Carlos Alcaraz for Roland Garros masteryTroy Finnegan ·
Iga Swiatek of Poland celebrates winning her match against Emma Raducanu of Great Britain on day four at Roland Garros Stadium.
Iga Swiatek bursts out laughing at thought of Jelena Ostapenko rematchTroy Finnegan ·
Aryna Sabalenka reacts to a point during her match against Olga Danilovic of Serbia on day six at Roland Garros Stadium.
Aryna Sabalenka shuts down Novak Djokovic retirement question: ‘Leave him alone’Troy Finnegan ·

With her previous victories at the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, Osaka is cautiously optimistic about her comeback, acknowledging her absence from recent tournaments.

“I've given myself the biggest chance to do well, but at the same time, I haven't had any match play,” Osaka said. “I'm just embracing the fact that it's my first tournament in a very long time. I'm just trying to have fun and do well at the same time.”

The Australian Open will begin Jan. 14 and continue through Jan. 28.

Osaka's comeback is not just about her return to tennis but also marks a new chapter in her life as a mother.