Osaka is prepared to return in the hopes of motivating her daughter Shai.

The four-time Grand Slam champion last participated in a WTA tournament at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in late September 2022. In July of this year, she gave birth to her daughter and made her highly-anticipated comeback announcement four months later.

During a visit to Brisbane's Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on Friday, Osaka expressed how being a mother has significantly changed her life and provided a new perspective on various aspects. She acknowledged that giving birth was an incredibly painful experience but also made her realize her physical strength and endurance.

One of Osaka's main motivations for returning to the tennis court is to show her daughter, Shai, that she is capable of achieving anything she sets her mind to. This serves as a driving force behind her desire to compete again.

As she prepares for the Australian Open, scheduled from January 14th to 18th, Osaka is currently engaged in her final training sessions. She has previously triumphed in this tournament in 2019 and 2021, making her a formidable contender. However, she humbly manages expectations and acknowledges that she hasn't had any recent match practice.

Approaching her first tournament in a long time, Osaka is embracing the opportunity to have fun while striving to perform well. She recognizes the importance of enjoying the experience and making the most of her return to competitive tennis.