Naomi Osaka Announces One-Year Hiatus From Tennis

Tennis star Naomi Osaka has officially announced a one-year hiatus from the sport. Early today, she took to Twitter to announce her pregnancy, confirming that she and rapper Cordae will be expecting their first child together.

In a short and sweet update to fans, Osaka wrote a heartfelt message alongside a photo of an ultrasound. She starts the message by stating, “The past few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find that it’s the most challenging times in life that may be the most fun.” She continues, “These few months away from the sport [have] really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I’ve dedicated my life to.” The tennis player then announced that she is stepping away from the game and will return for the 2024 Australian Open, which she has won twice in previous years.

The 25-year-old wrote about her excitement of being a mom, “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.’” Osaka has not played a professional match since last September’s Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo. Read her full statement below.

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

In other sports news, Kevin Durant will be re-evaluated in two weeks following his diagnosis of a right MCL sprain.