Having completed her comeback in the Australian Open, everybody is wondering what’s next for Naomi Osaka.
The Japanese tennis player missed all of the 2023 season after revealing she was expecting to give birth to her first child, which she did in July.
Having since been on the comeback trail, the former world number one was knocked out in the first round at Melbourne by Caroline Garcia, a fierce opponent for such an early stage.
So, what’s her next move after such a minor setback in what is set to be a long road back to the top? We take a closer look…
What is Naomi Osaka set to do next?
With two tournaments under her belt now, both down under, fans are keen to learn what she has planned for the remainder of her comeback campaign.
After all, hers is a return that has seldom been seen before, as someone who sacrificed an entire year of her career, during her prime years, to have a child.
Many are curious to see how she manages her rise back to that deserved number one spot, which she last held in 2019.
Well, one of her upcoming tournaments has now been decided, as she is set to feature in the Doubles section of the Abu Dhabi Open. Her partner will be the affable and extraordinary Ons Jabeur, which will only add to the intrigue.
A combination we have never seen before, this is certain to put bums on seats, to see whether they can coexist together with success, and if they can go far in the competition.
Podcaster Ben Rothernburg detailed how momentous an occasion this will be for Osaka in particular: ‘First doubles entry at a WTA tournament for Naomi Osaka since Tokyo 2017. Been a while!’
Ons Jabeur could learn plenty from Naomi Osaka
As a multiple Grand Slam winner and former world number one, Osaka truly has done it all and at such a young age.
The 26-year-old is an aggressive player, and has showcased her raw strength on numerous occasions, powering her way to two US Open titles and two more Australian Open titles.
With a first serve few would relish facing, it will be interesting to see her fitness slowly return as the season goes on and her levels subsequently rise.
And to earn that alongside Jabeur will be a thrilling experience for those fans, who will see a blend of delicate finesse and all-out power.
However, despite being the elder of the two, it will likely be the Tunisian seeking council from Osaka beforehand.
After all, for all the talent she boasts, the 29-year-old is yet to win a Grand Slam despite having reached three finals in recent years.
Her continued heartbreak at Wimbledon is a particular source of sadness, whilst she also failed to show up in the final in New York, a title which her partner has claimed as well as Great Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who has also made her comeback recently too.
Perhaps, across the time spent together, Jabeur could pick her brains and find out what it really takes to make that final step towards winning the elite honours.
The entire tennis world is holding out for the historic maestro to claim at least one before her retirement, and learning from one of the most decorated active players cannot hurt her efforts.
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