“A little life update”: Naomi Osaka’s big news
Right on the heels of Ash Barty’s announcement that she will become a mum in 2023, Naomi Osaka has revealed that she too will join Barty in welcoming a baby to the world this year.
Tennis fans were rightly downcast when two-time Australian Open champ Osaka pulled out from the tournament last week – but now the world can see that her reasons were joyous indeed, after the 25-year-old revealed the news she was expecting on Instagram on Thursday morning.
Posting a snap of an ultrasound in a carousel of images, Osaka wrote: "Can't wait to get back on the court but here's a little life update for 2023."
This will be the first child for Osaka and rapper boyfriend Cordae, 25.
In a statement shared in English and Japanese in the slides of her Instagram post, Osaka shared reflections on her next chapter.
"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 have 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 mum,' haha."
In her post, Osaka said she would be back playing in time to compete at the 2024 Australian Open.
"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," she wrote.
Images: Instagram