Naomi Osaka returns to tennis at Brisbane International with ‘changed perspective’ after birth of daughter

Naomi Osaka will return to tennis with a “changed perspective” after giving birth to her first child.

The 26-year-old is making her comeback at next week’s Brisbane International following the birth of her daughter Shai in July. Her last appearance on the WTA Tour came in September 2022.

Osaka is a four-time Grand Slam winner, but struggled with her form after winning the Australian Open in 2021.

She also took significant periods of time away from the court in 2021 and 2022 to protect her mental health.

In advance of her return at the Brisbane International, a WTA 500 event, Osaka visited the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Whilst taking the opportunity to get up close with native Australian wildlife, she revealed she has a new perspective on life since the birth of her daughter.

“Being a mum has changed my life a lot,” she said. “I think it changed my perspective on a lot of things.

“Giving birth was one of the most painful things I’ve ever gone through. It’s definitely made me feel like physically I can handle a lot.

“I want to show Shai that she’s capable of everything, so that’s one of my main purposes and main reasons why I want to be back out here.”

She is not the only player making a highly-anticipated comeback at both tournaments, with 22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal also returning from a year-long injury absence.

Nadal recently played down his chances of winning a title in January, and Osaka has followed suit.

“That’s a tough question because I haven’t played in more than a year,” she said.

“I think I’ve given myself the biggest chance to do well, but at the same time, I haven’t had any match play.

“I’m just embracing the fact that it’s my first tournament in a very long time. I’m just trying to have fun and do well at the same time.”