Four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka will miss the rest of the 2023 season after revealing she is pregnant.
Former world No 1 confirmed last week that she will miss the first Grand Slam event of 2023 at the Australian Open, without further details.
Osaka announced that she is pregnant and promised to return to tennis after giving birth, this has delighted her fans.
She posted a shot of her pregnancy scan on her social media platforms, and her army of fans around the world went into bouts of excitement.
“The past few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find that it’s the most challenging times in life that may be the most fun,” she wrote.
“These few months away from the sport has really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I’ve dedicated my life to.
“I realise that life is so short and I don’t take any moments for granted, every day is a new blessing and adventure.
“I know that I have so much to look forward to in the future, one thing I’m looking forward to is for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone, “that’s my mom”, haha.
“2023 will be a year that’ll be full of lessons for me and I hope I’ll see you guys in the start of the next one cause I’ll be at Aus 2024. Love you all infinitely.”
The announcement was received with joy by Osaka’s fans, who have been fascinated by her relationship with partner and American rapper Cordae since the couple got together in 2019.
Osaka and Cordaw are reported to have met at an NBA game in Los Angeles, where they hit it off.
“I just remember seeing that there were so many people who wanted to take a picture with him,” Osaka told GQ.
“And I just thought it was really cool how friendly and welcoming he was with everyone.”
Osaka ended her season in September after pulling out of a second-round match of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, enduring a tough 2022 on court.