Embracing parenthood during a competitive tennis journey has always been a challenging task for WTA players. The Japanese tennis star, Naomi Osaka, is no exception as she had to be away from the tour at the very start of the season, owing to her maternity break. And now that she has finally welcomed her first child, the former Australian Open champion is all set to make a return in the next season.

However, prior to this, there is already a lot of skepticism and questions surrounding the Japanese’s fitness levels on the court. In the midst of ‘everyone writing her off,’ the WTA star is being supported by Serena Williams‘ former coach, Rick Macci. Here’s what the legendary American coach has to say about the 4-time singles Grand Slam champion’s comeback on the court.

Serena Williams’ former coach hails Naomi Osaka prior to her return

It’s been quite a while since the former world no.1 dazzled the audience with a spectacular exhibition of her prowess on the court. Emphasizing the same in an interview with Tennis-Infinity.com, the seven-time USPTA national coach expressed his views on Naomi Osaka’s return to the tour after embracing parenthood.

While answering all her naysayers, the 68-year-old asserted that the former US Open champion will still be a force to be reckoned with on the court, even after her maternity break. He said, “You go have a baby, everybody writes you off. But listen, Osaka has four Grand Slams in her back pocket, you know, and she has firepower.”

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In his direct response, the American coach reminded the fans about the 4 major triumphs that have already been marked by the Japanese sensation. Further, Macci asserted that the young tennis star, Osaka, still possesses stellar prowess on the court, including her great serves and athleticism.

In the process, the legendary coach compared Osaka to another WTA superstar, who also made a return to the game following her pregnancy.

Williams’ former coach compares Osaka to the WTA legend

During her heydays, the American tennis icon Jennifer Capriati also had to move away from the tour after announcing her pregnancy. However, she came back to the Tour following her maternity break and later clinched two major titles while solidifying her position at the top spot of the WTA rankings.

READ MORE- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Heaps Praise on Novak Djokovic in His Own Quirky Way as the Serbian Legend Edges Closer to History at Wimbledon

While reminiscing about the American former world no.1 player’s incredible accolades, Macci suggested that Osaka could also pull off a similar comeback. He further asserted that the young Japanese tennis star will also reach the top 10 spots in the women’s circuit following her return to the court.

What do you think of the legendary coach’s major assertions about Naomi Osaka? Let us know in the comments section.

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