Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka has announced she is pregnant with her first child, days after sharing that she will not be competing at the Australian Open this year.
The 25-year old two-time Australian Open champion posted an image of a sonogram on her socials, saying: “Can’t wait to get back on the court but here’s a little life update for 2023.”
“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 mom’, haha.'”
“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’ll be at Aus 2024. Love you all infinitely”.
She revealed the news on Thursday morning, three days after she announced she would not be competing at this year’s Australian Open.
The two-time US Open champion also added, “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. These few months away from the sport has 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 knew that I have so much to look forward to in the future.”
News of her pregnancy comes just a week after fellow former World No. 1 Ash Barty announced she was expecting her first child in 2023.
Osaka played her most recent match at the Pan Pacific Open in Japan last September, and her latest withdrawal from the Australian Open follows other high profile exits, including Venus Williams and Men’s World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz.
The Australian Open starts next Monday, 16th January.