Lindsey Davenport believes Osaka is "in a much better space than she was last year"

Former World No.1 Lindsey Davenport is of the opinion that Naomi Osaka is ready to begin competing again, following a couple of difficult months for the Japanese superstar.

After winning the Australian Open at the start of the 2021 season, Osaka withdrew from the French Open and skipped Wimbledon, citing mental health issues. The four-time Grand Slam champion returned at the Tokyo Olympics, and called an early end to her season after losing in the third round of the US Open.

The 24-year began her 2022 season with a semifinal run at the Melbourne Summer Set Series, before falling in the third round of the Australian Open. Scheduled to make her return at the BNP Paribas Open Indian Wells, retired pro Davenport believes Osaka is in a better place mentally.

"I’ve heard she’s in a wonderful place, a much better space than she was last year, and that she’s excited to get back out and competing,” the American told Reuters.

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Osaka is scheduled to face 2017 US Open champion Sloane Stephens in a thrilling first round encounter, and Davenport believes this will be a real challenge for the former World No.1.

"That’s a really tough one to start off with, and Osaka is going to have to be ready to go," added Davenport. “I think she was a little disappointed with how Australia went and that she’s pretty motivated, but it’s going to take a lot of work.”