Naomi osaka

USTA Billie Jean King National: Two-time US Open champion Naomi Osaka said she is planning to return to professional tennis at the start of the next season in Australia.

The 25-year-old Japanese has not played since the Toray Pan Pacific Open in September 2022. She stepped away from the game in January and gave birth to her daughter, Shai, in July.

The former No.1, who was at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center to participate in the US Open's forum on mental health with swimming legend Michael Phelps, hopes to kick off her comeback at 2024 Australian Open and plans to play a more WTA Tour schedule as she eases back into the game.