The sports fraternity is still grappling with tennis sensation Naomi Osaka’s decision to miss the remainder of the 2023 season. The 25-year-old is expecting her first child with boyfriend and rapper Cordae later this year, which has left her with little choice but to suspend her schedule for the time being.

While the arrival of her firstborn will bring a sense of joy to the Osaka household, not many are comfortable with the superstar’s decision to carry the burden of motherhood at this stage of her career. However, the three-time grand slam winner shot back at her critics with a fiery statement, which earned plaudits worldwide, including from the likes of Michelle Wie West.

Michelle Wie likes Naomi Osaka’s raging tweet

Despite switching to her off-the-field career, Wie has made quite an impression amongst the golf community. She regularly engages on social media with thousands of fans, as well as expressing her opinions on a number of issues.

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Henceforth, it was clear that Wie would be inspecting the developments in the world of tennis, where popular star Naomi Osaka, has steered clear of tennis for the foreseeable future. Additionally, the two-time US Open champion has shot back at netizens who have criticized her for her life-altering decision, hinting it was a case of gender bias as well.

Evidently, Wie was filled with pride after Osaka’s reply. She tagged a post containing the tennis star’s statement and appreciated the soon-to-be-mother. “Savage mom mode. I like it,” she wrote in her story.

How long will Naomi Osaka stay out of action?

One of WTA’s brightest stars, Osaka first broke the news of her pregnancy in January, merely three days after she withdrew from the season-opening 2023 Australian Open, a tournament which she has won twice. While she didn’t reveal the timeline of her childbearing, the Japanese international is expected to be back on the court by January next year.

However, fans have been desperate to see their favorite tennis star in action. Osaka hasn’t participated in a professional event since September last year when she‌ withdrew ahead of her second-round match at the Toray Pan Pacific Open.

With her time off the court seemingly extended, can fans expect a fit-and-firing Osaka to return to the circuit in 2024? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

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