MELBOURNE, Australia — There may have been no greater joy during the first two days of the Australian Open than that which echoed around Rod Laver Arena when Naomi Osaka was warmly welcomed back into the crucible of Grand Slam competition after 18 months. maternity break.
The crowd rose to its feet in anticipation as a steel-faced Osaka walked among the champions, headphones on and glowing inside a shiny gold jacket. As she passed his own banner, displaying his 2019 and 2021 Melbourne Park wins, he extended the palm of his left hand and gently brushed it, perhaps for good luck.
Then came the presentation over the public address system and the ensuing roar. Osaka was back.
The former world No. 1's return to major tennis (Osaka made her official return earlier this month at the Brisbane International) may have been ruined by No. 16 seed Caroline Garcia, who prevailed 6-4, 7 -6 (2), but he showed how much he means to the sport. The crowd rallied behind her from the first point until she missed a crosscourt backhand attempt to prevent the first of what would have been four match points from Garcia.
There is no doubt that Osaka was rusty. He struggled with his serve and couldn't find a consistent rhythm on baseline shots, hitting some balls mid-net and others 6 feet from the baseline. She would sometimes look up at the night sky, seemingly dumbfounded by how she was playing. But that was all that was expected from someone who has changed more diapers in the last six months than he has played tennis matches.
“I felt like I did the best I could do. It was really nice to be on Rod Laver again, hearing the crowd, how much they interacted with the match,” Osaka said after the loss. “I have to tell myself, 'Hey, like six months ago you were pregnant,' stuff like that. Of course, there's a voice in my head that says, 'Who are you to think you can come back and immediately start winning games?' ? ?'”
What was encouraging about Osaka's performance was her positive approach and willingness to move freely even if she later admitted to feeling “indecisive” on the court. Her fitness and finesse will return with more matches under her belt, but that mentality will surely keep her in good stead as she prepares to take on her first full season since 2019. And that's exactly what all interested in tennis will be waiting.
IT'S NOT ANY SECRET that tennis has desperately missed Osaka. His absence from the tour came at a time when the sport was going through perhaps its most difficult period, moving from an era loaded with icons to a new chapter full of unknowns.
It was during the Osaka break that perhaps the greatest tennis player of all time, Serena Williams, played her last match. The departure of the 23-time Slam champion was inevitable and left a big void not only in women's tennis, but also in tennis in general. The void was even starker given that Williams' retirement came not 12 months after Roger Federer, arguably the most universally adored player in history, ended his illustrious career. In what seemed like the blink of an eye, two champions and two legitimate GOAT candidates disappeared.
But the current void in tennis goes far beyond Williams and Federer. Rafael Nadal missed almost the entire 2023 season with a hip flexor injury, and his comeback bid this month was unfortunately stalled when he was reinjured at the Brisbane International, forcing him to withdraw from the Australian Open. With Nadal already hinting at this year's Olympics in Paris as a possible farewell event, the chances of enjoying the Spanish star are dwindling rapidly.
Nick Kyrgios may well be polarizing, but there is no denying that he is box office entertainment and one of the most recognizable names in sport. The 28-year-old Australian did not play any competitive points during Osaka's maternity leave as he continues to deal with a nagging wrist injury. There is still no clear timetable for his return.
In fact, the only constant among tennis' A-stars has been Novak Djokovic, who continues to rack up major titles and enhance his legacy. But even Djokovic, 36, can't go on defying Father Time forever, and he must at least be reflecting when his farewell tour begins.
Tennis needs Osaka now more than ever. The sport has been crying out for a new generation of faces to lead the way into what has been shaping up to be a daunting new era for quite some time. And while Osaka, now 26, isn't exactly an up-and-comer, she's the perfect candidate to lead the charge and take over from that golden generation.
“I've taken a lot of breaks over the years… I think this was the one that finally clicked in my head,” Osaka said in Melbourne. “I think I realized that as an athlete, time is really precious. I've never taken that for granted before.” [but] I was young and felt like I could do it again whenever I needed to.
“I guess after having Shai, going through the struggle of trying to get back to where I want to be, it was incredibly difficult. I have a much more positive mindset and a much more grateful mindset.”
Osaka burst onto the scene at the Australian Open in 2018, defeating local hero Ashleigh Barty on her way to the fourth round of the tournament. By August, she was already a major champion, having beaten Williams for the US Open crown. And while that match was marred by controversy, it provided a launching pad to stardom and a level of popularity almost unmatched in tennis.
Universal adoration for Osaka gained more traction after she spoke candidly about her struggles with mental health and opted to take time off the tour during the 2021 season. There's something about her vulnerability and her humble, soft-spoken demeanor. that has made her such an identifiable figure; She's as relatable as she can feel like a billionaire star athlete to the average person.
Osaka is, without a doubt, the biggest draw and driver of the game on the women's side. He is also one of the most marketable figures in tennis and resonates around the world, particularly in the United States and Asia.
The reception she received at Melbourne Park on Monday night only highlighted how much the entire tennis world has missed her and how crucial it is for her to help lead the sport for years to come.
