Naomi Osaka has revealed that in 2024 she will play “way more tournaments than I used to play” – and has confirmed her season will start in Australia.
The four-time Grand Slam champion, who gave birth to daughter Shai in July, discussed her comeback plans during a sit-down interview with ESPN on Wednesday at the US Open.
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Osaka confirmed she had set a schedule for 2024, explaining: “It’s definitely way more tournaments than I used to play, so I think some people will be happy with that.”
Interviewer Chris McKendry pressed further, asking: “Grand Slams – will we see you Down Under?”
“Yes,” Osaka replied.
The Japanese star, who last competed in Tokyo almost a year ago, explained a sense of unknown was driving her decision to compete more often.
“Honestly, I think it’s because I realise, like, I don’t know how the beginning of the year is going to go for me. Like, I don’t know the level of play. And I think I kind of have to ease into it,” she said.
“So at the very least, I’m going to set myself up for a very good end of the year.”
Osaka, who turns 26 next month, is a two-time Australian Open champion, but has not competed at Melbourne Park since a third-round loss to Amanda Anisimova in 2022.
The former world No.1 trails only Venus Williams as the active WTA player with the most Grand Slam singles titles.
Her Australian Open career record of 24-5 – a winning rate of 83 per cent – is the best of all four major tournaments.