Osaka targets Paris Olympics and more Grand Slam titles

The Brisbane International will mark the highly anticipated return of the former world number one tennis player to the competitive circuit at the end of this month.

After a hiatus from the tour since September 2022, the four-time Grand Slam champion is eager to make her comeback. However, her absence from the sport was not solely due to taking time off to give birth to her daughter Shai in July.

Osaka has also faced challenges with her mental health and the immense pressures that come with being at the top of the tennis world.

In a recent interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK, Osaka expressed a mix of nerves, happiness, and excitement about her return to the court.

The tennis star, who had the honor of lighting the cauldron at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, now has her sights set on the Paris Games next summer. Reflecting on her tennis journey, Osaka shared her desire to deepen her understanding of the game and evolve as a player.

She hopes to win more Grand Slam titles, dedicate more time to the French Open and Wimbledon, and participate in the Paris Olympics.

Despite her loss in the third round of the Tokyo Games to Marketa Vondrousova, Osaka remains a formidable force in the tennis world.

As a four-time major champion, she has claimed victory in the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, as well as the US Open in 2018 and 2020.

Her return to Grand Slam tennis will take place at the Australian Open in January, and she anticipates approaching the game with a different mindset now that she is a mother.

Osaka explained that she finds motivation in the responsibility of caring for her daughter and wanting to show her the world.

This newfound perspective makes her feel like she is playing not only for herself but also for her daughter. With a renewed sense of purpose, Osaka is determined to make her mark on the tennis world once again.