Naomi Osaka Confident Ahead of Australian Open Despite Injury and Personal Split

MELBOURNE, Australia — Two-time Australian Open champion Naomi Osaka expressed optimism about her participation in the 2025 Australian Open despite a recent abdominal injury and the end of her long-term relationship with rapper Cordae. The tennis star, who returned to the court after maternity leave, is determined to make her mark at the first Grand Slam of the year.

Osaka, 27, opened her season at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, where she reached her first final since her comeback. However, she tearfully retired during the championship match against Clara Tauson due to an abdominal injury. “The MRI, it wasn’t fantastic but it wasn’t bad at the same time,” Osaka told reporters during Australian Open Media Day. “I’m pretty optimistic about playing my match. I’ve been practicing pretty well for the two days that I’ve been here.”

Since teaming up with coach Patrick Mouratoglou after the 2024 US Open, Osaka has shown promising form, winning seven matches without a loss in completed matches. Her only setbacks were retirements against Coco Gauff in Beijing and Tauson in Auckland. “I think my mindset now is probably the most clear it’s been in a very long time,” Osaka said. “I’m really excited to play here.”

Osaka’s personal life has also been in the spotlight following her split from Cordae, with whom she shares a daughter, Shai. In a statement on her Instagram Story, Osaka confirmed the end of their nearly six-year relationship. “No bad blood at all, he’s a great person and an awesome dad,” she wrote. The split comes just days after her emotional withdrawal from the ASB Classic final.

On the court, Osaka faces a challenging first-round match against Caroline Garcia, a rematch of their 2024 Australian Open encounter, which Garcia won. “I really respect her a lot,” Osaka said of Garcia. “I feel the same energy coming from her.” Despite the tough draw, Osaka remains focused on her goals. “My goal now is to be seeded in Australia,” she said last fall. “I would really love that.”

Osaka’s journey back to the top has been marked by resilience and determination. After a 15-month hiatus, she returned to the WTA Tour at the 2024 Australian Open and has steadily climbed the rankings, currently sitting at No. 50. “I feel like I’ve learned a lot throughout the course of 2024,” she said. “I would say I am a little bit of a different person now.”

As the Australian Open kicks off, all eyes will be on Osaka as she navigates both her physical challenges and personal upheaval. With her renewed clarity and confidence, the four-time Grand Slam champion is ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.