Naomi Osaka talks of her new perspective towards her career as she prepares for her comeback following her maternity leave

Osaka will return to the court at Brisbane International, ahead of Australian Open.

Naomi Osaka talks of her new perspective towards her career as she prepares for her comeback following her maternity leave

Naomi Osaka (Image via Imago)

The Japanese superstar Naomi Osaka is all set to return to the court in January after her maternity leave. After giving birth to her daughter and a period of almost a year, Osaka will return to the court at Brisbane International. The two-time US Open and two-time Australian Open winner has opened up about motherhood. Osaka also shared her new perspectives on the sport after the birth of her daughter Shai.

Osaka is making a steady and quick return to the court. She will return after a very short period of giving birth to her daughter. As she makes a comeback, the biggest challenge for Osaka will be to maintain a balance between motherhood and professional tennis. Appearing on the cover of InStyle’s latest digital issue, Osaka remarked on various perspectives upon her return to professional tennis.

Osaka said during the interview,

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I've stepped away from tennis before, but this time, it was the longest duration my life. and I think it kind of gave me a perspective like, 'Hey, you're not going to play tennis forever. And you kind of have to cherish the years that you can play.
Osaka via InStyle

The Japanese star also added that she wants to be a good role model for her daughter, Shai.

Naomi Osaka is set to start her new chapter in her tennis career

As the Osaka is set to make a comeback, she will have to face several challenges. There is no doubt that she will be a bit streaky in the first few of the matches. It is bound to happen as she is coming after a long gap.

Naomi Osaka calls herself lucky to return to the court as per her own wish and terms.
Naomi Osaka (image via: Olympics.com)

However, with the Brisbane International before the Australian Open, she would have a few matches under her belt. It will help her gain momentum and match experience.

Referring to her comeback after the maternity leave, Osaka has called herself privileged. This is because she can go back to the court on her own terms and at her own suitable time. 

I’m fortunate to have the support to go back to work on my own terms, in my own time. So many American parents don’t have that choice, but we all deserve it. It has definitely motivated me to speak up about the lack of paid leave and to advocate for new moms in this country.

The Brisbane International will mark the beginning of a new chapter in her tennis career. As the Japanese star embarks on a beautiful journey of managing both motherhood and tennis, it will be interesting how that goes upon her return.

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