Rick Macci
made his prediction about
Naomi Osaka's successful comeback in 2024 and the
possibility of entering the top-10.
The former
world No. 1 has been out of competition since her participation in the 2022
Tokyo Open in September, where she advanced to the second round after Daria
Gavrilova retired after just one game.
Naomi Osaka
announced in January of this year that she was pregnant with her first child
with her boyfriend, rapper Cordae, and they welcomed their daughter Shai in
July. At 26 years-old, the 4-times Grand Slam champion announced that she will
return to the WTA Tour in 2024, generating high expectations among fans who are
eager to see Osaka competing again in major tournaments and climbing the
rankings.
American
coach Rick Macci expressed positive expectations for Osaka's return, believing
that she will finish in the top-10 due to the high level she can achieve.
"Was
asked again if I still think Naomi Osaka can be top ten by the end of the year.
100%. Once she gets back into the battle and feels the Pain of losing in the
Beginning the 4time Grand Slam Champ will dig deep in that treasure trove of
Confidence and do Major league Winning," Macci said.
The coach
has extensive experience with Grand Slam-winning tennis players such as the
Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, as well as Americans Jennifer Capriati and
Andre Agassi, in addition to the Russian Maria Sharapova, all of whom were also
former world No. 1.
Osaka
claimed her latest title at the 2021 Australian Open, marking her second win at
the event, which adds to her two US Open titles. The tennis player holds four
Grand Slam titles, the same as Iga Swiatek, and among active players, she is
only surpassed by Venus Williams with seven.