With Naomi Osaka Inching Closer to Her Comeback, Martina Navratilova Has Her Say on the Japanese Sensation’s Fortunes in the New Season

The former number one in women’s singles, Naomi Osaka has been out of action for almost more than 1 year. But the fans had already got the good news. She had announced earlier that she’d make a comeback at the Brisbane International after a long break following her pregnancy and birth of her first child, Shai. Experts opine making a comeback after such a long gap won’t be easy for the 26-year-old. Here’s what 18 times major single titles holder, Martina Navratilova has to say on the fortune of the Japanese ahead of the 2024 season.

The Brisbane tournament which is scheduled to take place from December 31 to January 7, serves as a preparatory stage ahead of the major event at Melbourne Park. Having said that, the WTA 500 event is perhaps the most important tournament in Naomi Osaka’s career right now. She’d like to put up a statement to her opponents ahead of the season at the capital of Queensland. 

Navratilova predicts the future of Naomi Osaka, as the Japanese gears up to make her comeback to the bigger stage

The 4 time Grand Slam singles champion, Naomi Osaka has an impeccable record at the AO. She had won it twice in 2019 and 2021. Can she win it in 2024? Well, to get that we’ll have to wait till January 28. But before that, Osaka fans can finally witness their idol perform in Brisbane. Everyone in the tennis world is eager to see her comeback and here’s what one of the greatest of women’s tennis has to say about her.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing how this all unfolds. After the layoff, it’s going to take her time to get her match legs underneath her, the confidence flowing again. I just hope that she takes it slower, rather than too fast. I’m thinking by Indian Wells, early March, she’ll be back in the mix, back to being her amazing self. She won the title there in 2018. It would be great for the sport to see her back at the top,” said Martina Navratilova.

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Osaka is the first Asian player to hold the top spot in women’s singles ranking. She has achieved a lot since becoming a professional tennis player 10 years ago. The 26YO has plenty left in her and her fans can’t wait to see her in action.

The sky is the limit for Osaka

The former number one will make a return without a WTA ranking. She will receive a wild card entry for the Brisbane International tournament. An acid test for the Japanese icon, in the ‘Land Down Under’. Can she pass the test with flying colors? Nick Kyrgios had earlier confirmed that the Japanese is looking in good shape now and her comeback to the Tour would be very interesting for the fans.

Naomi Osaka is seen actively preparing for her comeback. She frequently shares her progress and moments of the training sessions with her fans on social media. With 2024 being the Olympic year and so much at stake throughout the season she’ll now look to make the most out of it and recover her glorious days. A win at Brisbane would be a perfect start to her journey, Isn’t it?

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