It was in her first final in three years for Osaka in Auckland, New Zealand, when the Japanese player, after winning the first set, was forced to retire due to a stomach injury.
At that moment, it was devastating. It really sucked that my body couldn't keep up with the level my head wanted, says Naomi Osaka in an interview with AFP.
The concern was great about what the injury would mean for Osaka's chances of playing the year's first Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne, which begins on Sunday. But on site at Melbourne Park just over a week later, the tennis star gives a reassuring message.
I'm pretty optimistic about playing my match, she says, and then corrects herself:
I mean, I'll definitely play my match.
Naomi Osaka has won the Australian Open twice, most recently in 2021, but has been away from tennis for a year and a half after becoming a mother for the first time.
After giving birth, it was definitely really tough to even run. I understand why it's very hard to get back to professional level, she says.
Osaka faces Caroline Garcia, France, in the first round.
