The “Land Down Under,” sprawling across time zones with its bustling ecological diversity, is home to numerous species of spectacular birds, mammals, reptiles, and insects—many of them endemic to the continent. Living in close proximity with humans often makes them a regular visitor to sporting grounds. Recently a similar incident took place in Brisbane where Naomi Osaka was welcomed by a special guest on court. 

The former World No. 1 has landed in Australia to kick-start her campaign for the 2024 season after being out of action for almost a year. Brisbane International is set to take place from December 31, 2023, to January 7, 2024. Osaka‘s return to the court promises to be one of the biggest stories of 2024. Everyone is excited and so is a tiny green creature.

Naomi Osaka’s little fans “jump” in joy seeing her from such a close distance

Australia has been a happy hunting ground for the Japanese tennis icon. She has won 2 out of her 4 Grand Slam titles Down Under. Can she make it one more in the 2024 AO? Well, Brisbane International will serve as a good preparatory camp ahead of the mega event at Melbourne Park. But the road to the comeback won’t be easy for the 26-year-old as the Australian Open marks the comeback stage for several other superstars of the game, and she would be hoping to find a good luck charm in the Land Down Under.

 A green frog recently visited at the court during her practice session in Brisbane. Is it the lucky charm for the Japanese? We will have to wait till the end of this month to get this answer. She recently posted a story on Instagram, where two ladies were seen gently picking up the frog and rescuing it by putting it out of the court. She is now looking forward to make a good start to her 2024 campaign. Hopefully, the frog turns out to be the forebearer of good news, much like a butterfly was during the 2021 AO.

Trending

Andy Roddick Uses Aryna Sabalenka’s Rock Bottom Phase to Console Coco Gauff Amid On-Court Struggles

May 14, 2024 08:23 PM EDT

‘Never Seen a Sport Self Sabotage Like This’- American Tennis Fans Disgruntled by Danielle Collins, Victoria Azarenka, and Others Not Finding a Streaming Slot

May 14, 2024 12:58 PM EDT

Italian Open: Aryna Sabalenka’s Crown Fails to Move Coco Gauff as She Comes Clean on Her Long Term Goals

May 14, 2024 05:27 AM EDT

Coco Gauff’s Coach’s Call for a Serious Action Backfires After Fans Use the Occasion to Criticize American’s Shortcomings

May 14, 2024 01:30 PM EDT

Italian Open: Coco Gauff Reveals Recent Switch in Attitude of WTA Peers That Changed Her Perspective of The Tour

May 14, 2024 11:15 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Osaka has a new inclusion to the list of her biggest supporters. Her name is Shai, the daughter of Naomi Osaka and American rapper Cordae. Recently, Shai even got a special gift from Yonex. Naomi Osaka received a miniature racket replica and a monogrammed bag for her daughter. Now her fans would surely want to get a look at the mother-daughter in a single frame with a racket in hand for the first time. 

Watch This Story: ‘My Wife Would Hate Me’ – Serena Williams’ Husband Says His Entire Family Is Like A ‘Start-Up’

Osaka’s act of kindness during the 2021 AO

During the 2021 AO, Naomi Osaka received recognition from the animal rights organization PETA for her act of kindness during the tournament. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is the largest animal rights organization in the world with millions of members and supporters. During a match, a butterfly landed on Naomi Osaka’s leg. The Japanese then gently put the insect off the court and the video went viral immediately. Osaka was given the “PETA Australian Open Champion Award.” She later on posted a picture of her with the butterfly on social media. The Japanese then went on to win the 2021 AO, which was her last Grand Slam victory. 

Her respect for the insects during the match was highly appreciated by all. However, this wasn’t the only such instance. She was also recognized by PETA in 2019 during the Miami Open for a similar incident. They described her as “the Compassionate Athlete” back then. Can you recall a memorable moment from her remarkable journey so far? Do share in comments below.

Scenes of ‘Thriving’ Naomi Osaka in Australia Delight Tennis Fans as They Expect Something Special from Her Eagerly Awaited Return