"It's going to bring some answers, but it's only the beginning": Justine Henin admires Naomi Osaka's return but heeds warning
WTA
Justin
Henin shared her admiration for Naomi Osaka and her comeback at the Australian
Open after becoming a mother. The Japanese player gave birth in July and will
return to a Grand Slam for the first time since the 2022 US Open.
The 7-times
Grand Slam champion expressed her eagerness to see Osaka back on the courts:
“It's going to be great to see her back now on the courts, [but] in what
condition is very hard to say,” Henin told Eurosport. “It's going to bring some
answers, but it's only the beginning of something.”
Henin's admiration for Osaka's comeback
Henin, who
decided to retire in 2008 when she was the world No. 1 and completed 16 months
at the top of the ranking until just before the French Open, where she was the
main favorite, returned two years later at the Australian Open.
“Coming
back is never easy," she said. "I went through it also after a year,
and for the most part, I had success because I played the final of the
Australian Open after a long stop.”
“But we
also know that we have women who had babies, we have players who stopped for a
long time and will come back. It's different situations and I admire [it]
because we know how much effort it takes to come back physically being a
mother.
“To take
that right, that possibility to be a mother and still do what they like to do,
to play tennis, their passion, their job. And this is great to see, but we know
it's hard.”
Special year for returning mothers
Henin hopes
for a successful return from recently mothered tennis players. In addition to
Osaka, former world No. 1s Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki are also
returning to Melbourne after becoming mothers. The Belgian cited the recent
example of Svitolina, who reached the quarterfinals of the French Open and the
semifinals of Wimbledon just a few months after becoming a mother:
“I think
that [Elina] Svitolina had success last year, and it looks like she's in good
shape already [at the] beginning of the season, so some proof that it is
possible to come back at a certain level,” Henin said.
“But you
enter in the Grand Slam, and we know that globally, the level puts [on] more
pressure on the first few rounds and the first round especially. The first
Grand Slam of the year is gonna be something really special.
“Disappointment
is everywhere in sport because you can win [and] you can lose. It happens quite
a lot during [a] career, and these women have that experience. They know it's
going to be difficult, but also, they are champions.
“That is
something that's going to help them. Of course, the physical aspect is
something really special. But we are going to pay attention to that [and] it's
exciting to see these names back. The women's draw is going to be exciting and
very interesting.”
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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