Naomi Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, made a tearful return on Wednesday, September 6, in New York after a year but not to spring back to action.
The 25-year-old returned after about a year, not to play but as part of a panel to discuss mental health in sports. It is a sensitive topic for Naomi Osaka, the Associated Press reported.
"For me coming back here, it means a lot. This room, in particular. There were some tears shed. A lot," Osaka stated. "I feel a lot of joy coming back here. It's kind of like seeing an old friend I haven't seen in a long time."
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Joining Osaka were 23-time Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy. The panel took on topics that include loneliness, connecting with others via a "buddy system," the role of social media in mental health struggles, and parenting.
The Japanes-born Osaka also provided an update on when she would be back playing tennis. The first Asian player to hold the top ranking in singles by the Women's Tennis Association is planning to return at the Australian Open in January 2024 and take part in a more robust Hologic WTA Tour schedule to get back into the groove of things.
"I think it's because I realized that I don't know how the beginning of the year is going to go for me. I don't know the level of play and I think I have to ease into it. So at the very least, I'll set myself up for a very good end of the year," Osaka explained via ESPN.
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