Naomi Osaka announced Wednesday on social media she is pregnant and will likely miss the entire 2023 tennis season. Osaka, 25, included a photo of an ultrasound on her Twitter and Instagram accounts, writing: “Can’t wait to get back on the court but here’s a little life update for 2023.”
Osaka tweeted: “I realize 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 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 [Australian Open] 2024.”
Osaka, a two-time Australian Open champion and the No. 42 player in the WTA rankings, hasn’t played since Sept. 19. She dealt with abdominal, back and ankle issues over the past two seasons, which has kept her out of play. The WTA announced Sunday that Osaka would not play in the first Grand Slam tournament of the season, but did not provide a reason for her withdrawal. The Australian Open will run from Jan. 11-30 in Melbourne.
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