For Naomi Osaka, the comeback after a long break is already over. At the tennis tournament in Brisbane (Australia), the four-time Grand Slam winner lost on Wednesday night (January 3, 2024) against defending champion Karolina Pliskova from the Czech Republic in the second round 6:3, 6:7 (4:7), 4 :6.
Even if the defeat “was very disappointing, I know that if I keep training and pushing myself, I will eventually get where I want to be“, explained Osaka, who temporarily turned away from tennis in September 2022 due to psychological problems and announced her pregnancy a few months later. The Japanese woman gave birth to her daughter in July 2023.
Opening win against Korpatsch
“Just stepping onto the pitch is a personal victory, because a few weeks ago I doubted whether I could play with everyone“said Osaka. In the first round, the 26-year-old beat Tamara Korpatsch.”I think these two games showed me that I’m doing well and that the year is getting better and better for me“said Osaka.