Tennis fans were taken by surprise when Naomi Osaka announced her pregnancy earlier this year, putting her career on hold.
As she prepares to welcome her first child into the world, the Japanese star's ranking on the WTA Tour is set to take a significant plunge. Despite not having played competitively in months, Osaka has managed to stay in the top 100, but that's about to change.
With the Miami Open approaching, Osaka will lose all of the points she earned from last year's final appearance, dropping her ranking to around 300th place. It's a significant blow for a player who has been a constant presence in the top 10 for the last few years.
However, one thing is for sure - Osaka's ranking drop won't deter her from returning to the court. She's been seen training while pregnant, with a video of her hitting the ball alongside Andre Agassi going viral. The sight of the tennis legend watching from the sidelines has sparked rumors about a new coaching relationship, which could help Osaka come back even stronger.
But there's no denying that Osaka's absence from the tour will have an impact on the sport as a whole. She's been a dominant force in recent years, winning multiple Grand Slam titles and captivating audiences with her on-court performances. Tennis fans will miss her presence, but they'll also be eagerly anticipating her return.
As for Osaka, her pregnancy has given her a new perspective on life and her career. It's clear that motherhood is her top priority right now, but tennis will always be a part of her life. And who knows - maybe one day we'll see her back in the top 10, and she may add her name to the list of mothers who won a major.
0 Comments