Naomi Osaka shared a practice video on social media as she continues to prepare to return to the court. Most fans on the internet reacted positively, eager for the Japanese star to return. Some expressed doubts about whether she will be able to get back to her peak ever again.
Osaka was last seen in action at the Pan Pacific Open back in September 2022. She withdrew midway through the tournament because of injury. A few months later, she announced she was pregnant. In July 2023, she gave birth to a daughter with long-time partner Cordae, naming her Shai. She started working on her comeback right away, regularly posting fitness and training updates.
After confirming her participation in the 2024 Brisbane International, Osaka posted a video of her training session on X (formerly Twitter). Fans were excited to see the four-time Grand Slam champion getting back to her best.
Looking forward to welcoming you to the court. Tennis world misses you, Naomi!
— Yoseph Galore (@Ethio2021) December 1, 2023
She looks real good in this warm up. ⬆️
— Mortgage Pro (@MortgageSense83) December 1, 2023
I love to see it. At her best she is no doubt one of the best players on the tour. Hopefully she’s focused and ready to bring her A game
— RicoG (@AmazingRico87) December 2, 2023
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You got it girl , we are waiting for to see you back on the court
— Mimi Butter (@mimi_butter) December 2, 2023
Blasting it as usual! Looking forward to return at the AO 2024.
— Lauren Hynde MD (@LaurenHynd91074) December 1, 2023
A few fans said Osaka will challenge all the top ranked women’s players right away after coming back.
Mama coming back to take her place at the top
The WTA girlies should be scared rn— Your Neighbor (@Fiks_daniell) December 1, 2023
I can’t wait for her to slaughter y’all’s faves https://t.co/sUXBHTcnRw
— Matt (@kvitarenka) December 1, 2023
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Oh Sakarri, Jabeur, and Barbie better watch their top ten spot https://t.co/3TBIsPAFfg
— branden sayarath (laos_boi) (@bran_say_) December 1, 2023
A section of fans were awed by her powerful forehand shots.
Watching that forehand gave me goosebumps
— carrot (@FloBigFlo) December 1, 2023
That racket head speed!! Sheesh
— TJ Jackson (@iAmTJJackson) December 1, 2023
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It will never not surprise me the ability Naomi has to fire missiles from the racket https://t.co/RIVuDCeUPB
— a (@radulenkawta) December 2, 2023
Naomi Osaka wins hearts with generous response to a fan
Naomi Osaka announced her return to tennis, confirming that she will play the Brisbane International. The WTA 500 event acts as lead-up tournament to the Australian Open. Hence, it is safe to assume that Osaka will feature in the first Grand Slam of the year.
Under the training video she posted on X, a fan commented that she will be flying to Australia next year exclusively to see Osaka play. The two-time AO winner graciously thanked her and offered to arrange tickets or any other help the follower may require. The fan has since made her account private, presumably because of the unexpected attention she received from others. Regardless, Osaka’s generous reply left fans gushing.
Another reason to stan her ❤️ https://t.co/w3BLEwvbvM
— Tanya ↗️ (@ScriptedTanya) December 1, 2023
Such a kind gesture ✨✨❤️ https://t.co/6YNDLuMfzJ
— Jimmy (@Racquettechie) December 1, 2023
I’m definitely becoming a Naomi stan. That USO heartbreak I seem to have recovered from. https://t.co/eyTOWA2yAQ
— Jake Davies (@jakedavi5) December 2, 2023
reason 81719191718 why she’s the best https://t.co/8RgUlNRkoS
— Kat (@idontmindk) December 1, 2023
Queen of charity https://t.co/e9frzRfksT
— thabo (@osakarenaa) December 1, 2023
Some fans jokingly posted similar tweets in hopes of getting an offer from Osaka.
I will be at Roland Garros just to see you https://t.co/Jy6hrHzoFs
— temas (@temaswerc) December 1, 2023
Heyy Naomi I will be flying to England just to see you next year https://t.co/OrJYoagFDB
— mar new acc (@tnchiyu) December 1, 2023
Naomi I’m flying to new york for you to see you at the US Open ❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/w3oO8uy0W6
— Simon (@thetraintruther) December 1, 2023
Naomi I’m flying to the uk for you to see you at Wimbledon ❤️❤️❤️❤️ https://t.co/l7k1epPWPK
— Thierry T (@thierryAgain) December 1, 2023
The outpour of love Osaka has received so far shows fans are eagerly awaiting her return to the court. The Brisbane International will surely see huge viewership numbers in 2024, given how a certain other superstar is also making a comeback.
