Naomi Osaka: the tennis star announces that she is pregnant

CNN
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Tennis star Naomi Osaka announced her pregnancy on Wednesday, posting a photo of an ultrasound on her social media accounts.

“The last few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find it’s the toughest times in life that can be the most fun,” the four-time major champion wrote alongside the photo.

“These few months away from sport [have] really gave me a new love and appreciation for the game I’ve dedicated my life to.

Osaka said she plans to return to tennis in 2024 for next year’s Australian Open, a tournament she has won twice.

“I know I have so much to look forward to in the future,” she added. “One thing I look forward to is my child watching one of my games and saying to someone, ‘It’s my mom.'”

The 25-year-old’s withdrawal from the upcoming Australian Open was announced by competition organizers on Sunday.

Osaka hasn’t played since the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo last September.

She walked away from competitive tennis and made several high-profile revelations about her mental health issues following an incident in August 2021, where she was visibly stressed and emotional while speaking to the media during a Mandatory press conference at Roland Garros.

Osaka then pulled out of the French Open that year and revealed she had “suffered long periods of depression” since winning her first major championship in 2018.

“I don’t think there’s a perfectly correct path to follow in life, but I’ve always believed that if you move forward with good intentions, you will eventually find your way,” Osaka added in her statement Wednesday. .