Naomi Osaka hits court weeks after giving birth to daughter

By Micaiah Morgan CNW Writer

Naomi Osaka’s sights are set on the upcoming Australian Open as she eyes a remarkable comeback.

The Japanese-Haitian-American tennis sensation, who took a break from the sport in September, has already begun her journey back to the tennis courts just weeks after giving birth to her daughter on July 12, 2023 play, her remarkable journey serves as a powerful example for aspiring athletes and new mothers alike

A former world No 1 in singles, Osaka, who holds the distinction of being the first Asian player to achieve this ranking, was spotted engaging in training drills at UCLA’s Drake Stadium

The video of her training session was shared by Haitian media personality Wendell Theodore, generating excitement among her followers

Osaka’s absence from the Australian Open earlier this year left fans wondering about the reason behind her withdrawal

In an Instagram post, she revealed the news of her pregnancy and assured her supporters of her eventual return Embracing the profound joys of life and appreciating every moment, she expressed her desire for her child to witness her matches and proudly say, “That’s my mom ”

Having secured two of her four Grand Slam titles at the Australian Open, including her most recent one in 2021, Osaka faced challenges in 2022 as she grappled with mental health issues, leading to a hiatus from the sport throughout the current season

However, in a recent interview with Vogue, Osaka shared how the time away from the courts has fueled her motivation

Excited about the opportunity to play again, she spoke candidly about the importance of taking a step back to truly appreciate tennis and expressed her eagerness to reconnect with fans, stating that the distancing enforced during the pandemic had a profound impact on her seconds At just 26 he has ample opportunity to widen the distance between him and Bolt Lyles will be competing in the 100m and 200m events at the World Championships in Budapest and looks to replicate a feat only done by Usain Bolt and countrywoman Allyson Felix in winning gold in the 200m three consecutive times

Starlet Letsile Tebogo continues to turn heads

While all eyes are on Lyles, Letsile Tebogo quietly put together a fantastic race The 20year-old Botswanan pushed Lyles to the brink finishing 2nd with a 19 50, more than fast enough to win the event most years Lyles is chasing Sprint immortality but should already start looking over his shoulder for the next would-be usurper

Lionel Messi gets raucous welcome at Inter Miami debut

Ninety-four minutes into a deadlocked match between Inter Miami and Cruz Azul, the referee blew his whistle The call indicated a foul 25 yards out from Cruz Azul goal. The stadium went quiet as Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi stepped up to the dead ball

For fans around world football, the sight of Messi in Inter Miami’s pink jersey is going to take some time to feel natural, but any theories that the Argentine superstar was hunting a final paycheck in a retirement tour with the Miami football club were quickly dashed with a flick of his magical left foot The ball floated over the defence, just out of reach of the Cruz Azul Keeper to nestle in the top left corner of the goal The net rippled New club, same player

As the stadium erupted in celebration, the camera panned to David Beckham, footballing legend and partowner of Inter Miami, smiling to himself and shaking his head in disbelief Years of planning and pursuit culminated in this thrilling debut A perfect advertisement for MLS, Inter Miami and Apple TV, the new MLS broadcaster distributor

Demonstrating a determination to balance motherhood with her athletic career, Osaka has become an inspiring figure to fans worldwide Sharing her postpartum training progress on social media, she has garnered widespread support and admiration for her commitment to her passions

As her supporters eagerly await her return to professional

Currently ranked No 439, Osaka is entitled to use her special ranking for three years under the WTA’s maternity leave policy, which grants players time to regain their form after returning from childbirth

As the countdown begins for the next Australian Open, all eyes are on Naomi Osaka, anticipating her triumphant return and the resurgence of her exceptional tennis prowess on the court

Despite the fairy tale ending, the match was a close contest even after Messi’s introduction in the 55th minute. Cruz Azul and Inter Miami traded attacks with Messi impressing with defence splitting passes, mesmerising one-twos, and a seemingly instantaneous connection with striker Josef Martinez and full back DeAndre Yedlin Despite Messi’s heroics, the man of the match was arguably goalkeeper Drake Callendar The 25 year old American made save after save, blunting Azul’s attack and keeping Inter Miami in the match throughout Messi was far from the only star in attendance Lakers power forward and NBA icon LeBron James was in attendance and exchanged embraces with Messi afterwards If anyone can empathise with a career defining move to South Beach, it’s James Also in the stands were Tennis legend Serena Williams and fashion mogul Kim Kardashian joining the sold out crowd at the newly expanded DRV PNK Stadium

The crowd was in raucous form Supporters showed up in their pink Inter Miami jerseys and blue and white Argentina jerseys Fireworks went off around the stadium as the team celebrated the win as if they won a championship It’s hard to blame them When the greatest footballer of the last two decades shows up at your front door, dreams of championships can become realities