Naomi Osaka's highly anticipated return to the WTA Tour is one that has every chance of succeeding.
The four-time Grand Slam champion has been away from tennis for over a year after giving birth to her first child. Osaka has touched down in Brisbane, where she is playing her first tournament on her return.
Many query whether the Japanese player can reach the high level she once had. It is an understandable concern after such a long period of time away from the sport, and after becoming a mother.
However, there are reasons to be confident of Osaka being successful on her comeback. This article provides five of these reasons.
5. Talent Does Not Go Away
One thing does not change, regardless of how long Osaka has been away. She is a unique talent, and that extraordinary ability remains inside the 2020 US Open champion.
Finding that talent on a consistent basis on her comeback is not guaranteed and undoubtedly will require hard work. But a player of Osaka's class does not simply lose the immense class that took her to the top of the game. Whether it comes quickly or slowly, it feels inevitable she will find that tennis again.
4. Osaka May Have Added New Tricks To Game
Osaka will undoubtedly be lacking in match practice compared to her rivals, but the 26-year-old does have the advantage of being an unknown quantity on her return.
The fundamentals of Osaka's powerful game are very likely to still be intact. Yet, it is possible she used any practice she managed to get in the last year to add new elements or variety that the other players are unaware of. Such moves could shock and cause some doubt among her rivals when they come up against the 7-time WTA titlist.
3. Some Time Away May Have Been What Osaka Needed
Osaka has, of course, been very busy during her time away as a new parent. However, a break from the specific stresses of the tennis tour could have been a positive thing for her.
The Japanese star has spoken incredibly bravely about her battles with mental health struggles. Those difficulties seemed to play a part in a drop in form that she experienced in the 18 months before her time away from the WTA Tour. Hopefully, Osaka will return fully refreshed, and ready to showcase the breathtaking tennis she is capable of.
2. Other Mothers Have Successfully Returned To Tennis
Osaka will likely be inspired by the WTA players who returned to the sport and achieved strong results. Those women have been inspirations worldwide by proving that being Mothers and playing high-level sports is possible.
Serena Williams, who many believe to be the greatest female player ever, won the 2017 Australian Open while pregnant, and then came back to the Tour after giving birth.
Elina Svitolina reached a Wimbledon semifinal this year after returning from maternity leave. Victoria Azarenka had a son in 2016, and came back to reach the US Open final in 2020 (being beaten by Osaka) Also, Angelique Kerber is kicking off her new season at the United Cup after being away on maternity leave.
If those women can do it, so can Osaka.
1. The Love She Will Receive From The Tennis World
Trolls and hateful comments are a sad reality for top tennis players to deal with, especially for female players. However, there is no doubt that the vast majority of tennis fans will give great support to Osaka on her return.
Women's tennis was fantastic to watch in 2023, and it is in great shape overall. But there is no doubt that a star like Osaka has been greatly missed, and that was noted by thousands of tennis fans during her absence. Feeling the love from supporters will mean a lot to Osaka, and hopefully, this is as widespread as many expect.
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