Topics: Australian Open, Australia, Naomi Osaka, Tennis
Tennis star Naomi Osaka has finally revealed why she has been absent from the pro-circuit in recent times, dropping the news that she is pregnant.
Her withdrawal from the Australian Open raised eyebrows last week, with fans concerned her career was over at age 25.
But now fans know exactly why the 2019 and 2021 Australian Open winner is taking a break after she announced her exciting news on Instagram.
She shared a picture of an ultrasound on social media alongside the caption: "A little life update for 2023."
"The past few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find that it's the most challenging times in life that may be the most fun," Osaka wrote.
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"These few months away from the sport have really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I've dedicated my life to.
"I realise that life is so short and I don't take any moments for granted, everyday is a new blessing and adventure.
"I know that I have so much to look forward to in the future, one thing I'm looking forward to is for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, 'that's my mum'."
But that's not all.
Osaka also revealed her tennis hiatus will not be a permanent one.
She's already vowed to be back on the court and ready to compete next year.
In her post, Osaka added: "2023 will be a year that'll be full of lessons for me and I hope I'll see you guys in the start of the next one cause I'II be at [the Australian Open] 2024."
She added: "Love you all infinitely."
Osaka has been dating US rapper Cordae since 2019.
The former world number one last played in September but withdrew from an event in Tokyo due to abdominal pain.
She hasn't played a full match since bowing out in the first-round at the US Open in August and only took part in 11 tournaments in 2022.
This lead to speculation her career was at an end in the wake of her professional disappearance.
But, regardless of what people think, Osaka does things in her own way.
She closed out her social media announcement by adding that she doesn’t know if there’s a perfectly correct path in life, but 'if you move forward with good intentions you’ll find your way eventually'.
Osaka is the second Australian Open winner to announce a pregnancy in recent days, with tennis legend Ash Barty revealing she is expecting her first child on January 6.
