Naomi Osaka has put all doubts to rest: the Japanese tennis player, a two-time winner of the Australian Open, has confirmed her participation in the tournament scheduled from January 12 to 26, 2025. In the first round, she will face French player Caroline Garcia.
Recovery from Injury and Preparation
After withdrawing from the Auckland tournament final in early January due to an abdominal injury, Osaka underwent an MRI. According to her statements in a press conference, the results “were neither fantastic nor bad.”
Despite the initial uncertainty, the world number 50 reassured everyone: “I’ve been training well since I arrived in Melbourne, and I’m sure I’ll be playing against Caroline Garcia.”
A Significant Return for Osaka
Osaka, who won the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, as well as the US Open in 2018 and 2020, seems mentally ready for a new chapter in her career. “My mindset has never been so clear for a long time,” she said with enthusiasm.
The Japanese player spent over a year away from the courts between 2022 and 2023, during which she became a mother to a baby girl. “I played really well in Auckland. Even though I lost, in my mind, I feel like I won,” she added.
A New Chapter in Osaka’s Career
Reaching the final in Auckland was an important milestone for Osaka, who hadn’t played in a title match since her return to the courts in January 2024. “For me, this is clearly a new beginning. I’m very excited to play here, and I think I’m going to have a great tournament.”