"I didn't return as much love as I was given": Mum on a mission Naomi Osaka aims to give back as new tennis chapter begins

A new chapter begins for Naomi Osaka and the former World No.1 had the tennis world purring as the New Year began after taking down Tamara Korpatsch 6-3, 7-6 at the Brisbane International.

Osaka has not played since withdrawing from the Pan Pacific Trophy in September 2022 and became a mother in July cementing the promise she made to return at the 2024 Australian Open swing and fans were treated to a delightful display. During this chapter, Osaka admitted that she wants to give back after admitting she shirked the support she got during her last run.

Brisbane International

@BrisbaneTennis

·Follow

Mum on a mission 🥹 🧡 @naomiosaka

Watch on Twitter

359

Reply

Copy link

Read 5 replies

Osaka said that she was super nervous in returning to the court and summed it up as 'surreal' but as she has said throughout, she wants to be a role model including to her daughter Shai but other young tennis fans just like the players she watched growing up. Next up is former World No.1, Karolina Pliskova.

Read also

MATCH REPORT | 2024 Brisbane International: Stellar return of Naomi OSAKA conquering Tamara KORPATSCH in exceptional form

"The last couple of years that I played before I had my daughter, I didn't return as much love as I was given," Osaka said on court after the match.

"I feel like that's what I want to do in this chapter. I just really appreciate people coming out and knowing me and cheering for me because I feel like there was a time I was just a little kid trying to watch my role models play.

"So it feels really surreal sometimes to be playing on these courts. I was super nervous the whole time."

Read also

ATP and WTA TV GUIDE 2024 Brisbane International featuring return of Rafael NADAL, Aryna SABALENKA and Elena RYBAKINA