Tennis icon Andy Roddick recently shared his positive outlook on Naomi Osaka’s post-pregnancy comeback, stating that the four-time Grand Slam champion is “ahead of schedule.” Osaka, who concluded her 2022 season in September and took a hiatus for the entirety of 2023 due to pregnancy, returned to the courts at the beginning of the 2024 season. Despite a 1-2 record in Australia, including competitive matches against strong opponents like Karolina Pliskova and Caroline Garcia, Osaka showcased resilience at the WTA 1000 tournament in Doha, reaching the quarterfinal.
Roddick emphasized that Osaka’s tennis prowess remains intact, and with consistent play and regained fitness, she has the potential to reclaim her status as one of the top players globally. The former world No. 1 commended Osaka’s decision to play a full schedule, acknowledging the importance of match experience in honing her skills.
Osaka’s recent performance in Doha, where she defeated Garcia and reached the quarterfinal, impressed Roddick. He pointed out that Osaka’s greatness is sometimes taken for granted, urging recognition of her achievements. Roddick expressed satisfaction with Osaka’s progress, believing her team should be thrilled with her current trajectory.
Despite a brief setback with three consecutive losses, Osaka bounced back in Doha, describing her victory over Garcia as a “big step forward.” She attributed her improved focus and returns to her enhanced gameplay compared to her performance in Australia.
Osaka herself acknowledged the ups and downs of her comeback but expressed gratitude for her team’s support and emphasized the collective effort. Following her back-to-back wins in Doha, Osaka chose to skip the Dubai tournament to focus on Indian Wells and Miami, indicating her determination to continue building on her positive momentum.
As Osaka gears up for her next challenges, including Indian Wells, her renewed confidence and commitment suggest a promising continuation of her post-pregnancy comeback.
