Reigning Australian Open champ Rafael Nadal loses to Mackenzie McDonald after picking up mid-match hip injury

The former world No. 1 made the announcement following her withdrawal from the 2023 Australian Open, and has been out of action since playing in Tokyo last fall.

ByDavid Kane

Published Jan 11, 2023

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WATCH: Osaka was last on court at the Toray Pan Pacific Open, where she defeated an injured Daria Saville in September.

Naomi Osaka announced that she is expecting her first child with longtime boyfriend and rapper Cordae.

"The past few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find that its the most challenging times in life that may be the most fun," Osaka wrote in a statement posted to social media.

"These few months away from the sport has really given me a new love and appreciation for the game l've dedicated my life to. I realize that life is so short and I don't take any moments for granted, everyday 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 mom' haha.

"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'II be at Aus 2024. Love you all infinitely."

The former world No. 1 made the announcement three days after it was revealed she would miss the 2023 Australian Open, having previously won the title in 2019 and 2021.

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Can’t wait to get back on the court but here’s a little life update for 2023. pic.twitter.com/GYXRnutU3I
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) January 11, 2023

Osaka was last on court at the Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo last September, where she won an opening round match against Daria Saville via retirement before withdrawing herself due to abdominal pain.

Off the court, she celebrated the release of her first children's book, The Way Champs Play, promoting the book on Good Morning America and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

"Sidenote," adds Osaka. "I don't think there's a perfectly correct path to take in life but I always felt that if you move forward with good intentions you'll find your way eventually."

A four-time Grand Slam champion, Osaka has been candid about ongoing mental health struggles. In 2021, she revealed a prolonged battle with anxiety and depression following a Roland Garros debacle surrounding her refusal to participate in post-match press conferences.

Osaka has dated Cordae since 2019, the same year she topped the WTA rankings for the first time.