Naomi Osaka says she’ll play more tournaments in 2024 than usual: “I don’t know how the start of the year is gonna go for me.. at the very least I’ll set myself up for a very good end of the year” She will play Australian Open. ❤️
"I don't how the beginning of the year is going to go": Osaka set for more full time schedule on 2024 return for one big reason
WTAWednesday, 06 September 2023 at 23:46
Naomi Osaka has confirmed that not only will she play the Australian Open as expected in 2024, but that the former World Number One will be a more present fixture on the WTA Tour going forward.
Osaka who ascended to the top of the sport played less and less tournaments before she stepped away to become a mother. But it is more of a conscious effort on her part to prepare herself if the comeback doesn't catch light straight away.
By doing that, her fans will get to see more of the multiple Grand Slam champion and if it doesn't go well immediately, the back end of the year becomes a target.
She spoke in a one-on-one with ESPN while on site at the US Open and is currently watching as of time of writing, the match between Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev.
"It's definitely more tournaments than I used to play. Some people will be happy with that," said Osaka on ESPN.
"I realised I don't know how the beginning of the year is going to go for me. I don't know the level of play and I think I kind of have to ease into it. At the very least I’ll set myself up for a very good end of the year."
Following fellow mothers back onto the tour
In doing so though she will look to follow the lead of Caroline Wozniacki, Elina Svitolina and maybe even Angelique Kerber who will return at the same time as Osaka. A group chat has been mooted by Osaka.
"I think we're probably going to form a group chat or something. It's really good to see everyone playing well again and to see familiar faces."
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