"Wozniacki is over 30 and Naomi Osaka is in her mid-20s": Naomi Osaka more likely to hit the heights post pregnancy admits Barbara Schett

Naomi Osaka will return to the WTA Tour after 14 months, creating excitement in the tennis world. Former Austrian tennis player and commentator Barbara Schett recently spoke with Eurosport, providing her analysis of what can be expected from Osaka upon her return.

The former world No. 7 presenter drew a comparison between former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki and the 4-times Grand Slam champion regarding their comeback possibilities. The 33-year-old Dane decided to return to competition in the hardcourt swing in 2023 after a 3-year retirement, having given birth to her two children during that time. However, Wozniacki displayed a high level, reaching the fourth round of the US Open, only to fall to the eventual champion Coco Gauff in three sets (3-6, 6-3, 1-6).

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Comparing Comebacks

Barbara Schett had no doubt that Wozniacki's impressive performance indicates that top-tier players can regain their form even after extended periods away from the courts. She added that Naomi Osaka's age of 26 will be even more advantageous: "We’ve seen Caroline Wozniacki at the US Open playing in her onesie and she was just moving like in the old days. But let's not forget the age difference - Wozniacki is over 30 and Naomi Osaka is in her mid-20s; that does make a big difference," said Schett.

Schett emphasized the advantage that Osaka's age of 26 can provide and also mentioned Novak Djokovic for his ability to compensate for differences in his game as he aged: “Even if you don't give birth at that age, you're starting to get a little bit slower and things get harder. And Novak Djokovic even said it: 'I'm not as fast as I used to be, but I have to work it out in a different way to beat the opponents'," continued Schett.

The 1999 US Open quarterfinalist added that the return of former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber to the Tour, after her absence also due to pregnancy, is more concerning. However, the German will start the season at 35 years old: "My biggest worry is that [Angelique] Kerber and also Wozniacki, are struggling with the pace of those girls a lot more. Whereas Osaka has always been super aggressive, and she's never had problems with the pace of somebody like Serena Williams as well," said Schett.

Tanya

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