Naomi Osaka made her return to the tennis tour in 2024 in what was one of the most anticipated comebacks of the season. After a prolonged hiatus due to injury and the birth of her first child, Osaka’s presence once again brought star power to the WTA circuit. While her season was marked by ups and downs, it also showcased flashes of brilliance that hinted at a promising future for the four-time Grand Slam champion.
Naomi Osaka 2024 in Review
The Road Back
Osaka’s re-entry into professional tennis was carefully managed, beginning with lower-pressure tournaments to rebuild match fitness and confidence. Her initial matches displayed understandable rust, but as the season progressed, glimpses of the player who once dominated the hard courts became evident. Her trademark powerful serve and baseline aggression reappeared in patches, reminding fans and opponents alike of her elite capabilities.
Physically, Osaka faced challenges in regaining peak condition. The demands of competing week in and week out on the tour are grueling, and her return was strategically planned to avoid overexertion. Still, the mental toughness that defined her early career shone through, particularly in tightly contested matches against higher-ranked players.
Key Moments of Brilliance
1. Early Round Battles
In her first few tournaments back, Osaka struggled to find her rhythm but managed to push top players to the brink. Notably, her match against world Karolina Pliskova in Qatar showcased Osaka’s ability to still compete at the highest level. Despite losing in two tiebreakers, she demonstrated the resilience and precision that once made her a Grand Slam champion.
2. Breakthrough at the French Open
The French Open marked a turning point in Osaka’s season. In front of an adoring Parisian crowd, she produced one of her best performances of the year in what was one of the outstanding matches of the year, pushing the two time defending champion and eventual champion Iga Swiatek to a closely contested third set in the second round. This run was a testament to her ability to summon her best under the bright lights of a Grand Slam.
Room for Growth
While Osaka showed promise, consistency remained elusive. Her season was punctuated by early exits in smaller tournaments, often due to unforced errors and lapses in concentration. Building match endurance and sharpening her defensive skills will be crucial as she looks to climb back into the top echelon of the WTA rankings.
Additionally, Osaka’s limited schedule may have hindered her ability to find a consistent rhythm. As she continues to balance life as a professional athlete and a new mother, finding the right balance will be key to sustaining her comeback.
Promise on the horizon
Osaka’s 2024 season was less about immediate results and more about rediscovery. While she did not add to her Grand Slam tally or return to the top 10, the glimpses of brilliance she displayed suggest that her best tennis may still be ahead. As Osaka continues her journey, her determination to reclaim her place among the sport’s elite remains evident. With a full offseason to focus on fitness and refine her game, the 2025 season could see her take the next step in her comeback. For now, her 2024 campaign stands as a reminder of her immense talent and the promise she still holds as one of the game’s brightest stars.
