WATCH: Naomi Osaka Steps Up Preparations With Another Practice Video

Friday, 01 December 2023 at 23:45

byEvita Mueller

Naomi Osaka's return to the WTA Tour is inching closer as another practice video posted by the Japanese player shows her ramping up intensity.

Naomi Osaka's return will probably be one of the biggest talking points of the Australian Summer. There is plenty to look out for, as she's not the only player returning. Emma Raducanu is possibly returning to tennis, as is Rafael Nadal, who confirmed his return.

When it comes to Osaka, she confirmed her return weeks ago by announcing her participation at the Brisbane International. We've known about her return months before, though, with multiple practice videos and interview confirmations.

She's also putting together a strong team that should help her return to where she once was. Having her former coach back should help with the transition, and now it's all about working hard until the moment comes.

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She has posted some good practice footage in recent weeks, though this latest one posted by Osaka shows her ramping up intensity, which means two things. First, it means that her preparations are advanced, which makes sense as we're basically a month away.

Secondly, it means that the new season is approaching quickly, which is pretty exciting. This Australian summer might become one of the more iconic ones in recent memory. There are several big names making a comeback, including Osaka.

Novak Djokovic is fighting the rising stars on the ATP side. Iga Swiatek is trying to do the same on the WTA side, and it's just going to be a really fun month filled with a lot of great tennis.

Osaka will certainly contribute to that, as she's one of the best players in the world at her peak. We won't see that immediately, of course, but it will be good to have one of the game's biggest talents back.