4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has not played professional tennis since September, at the US Open. The Japanese tennis star took an ‘indefinite break’ from tennis due to mental health concerns.

Osaka did, however, talk about returning to the game in the future. Fans and the rest of the tennis world have been eagerly waiting for the former World No. 1 to return to the court.

Naomi Osaka has returned to the practice courts

Naomi Osaka is back at practice, it seems. She has been training on the practice courts in Los Angeles. Hard at work with UCLA collegiate tennis player Martin Redlicki, Osaka seems dialed in as she hits the ball across the court hard with every swing.

Fans of the 24-year-old are definitely delighted to see Osaka finally gearing up in practice. This certainly means that she will be present at the Australian Open next year.

This video graced the feeds and timelines of fans courtesy of Karue Sell, a former UCLA Bruin. He too was present at the practice with Redlicki and Osaka.

Sell’s Instagram page, MyTennisHQ, also posted a teaser video of Naomi Osaka hitting the ball during practice. They asked fans, “Any guesses on who is hitting bombs from the other side??😏”

ALSO READ: “Hopefully, Whatever I Do- He’d Be Proud”- Naomi Osaka Reflects on Kobe Bryant

Osaka is one of the favorites to win the Australian Open 2022

As the 2022 season comes closer, so does the inaugural grand slam, the Australian Open. According to the top sports betting company bet365,  Osaka is one of the clear favorites to win the title. Additionally, Emma Raducanu and Ashleigh Barty, too, are favorites.

Osaka is the reigning champion in Melbourne, after her straight-set victory over Jennifer Brady this year in January.

DIVE DEEPER: “Something’s Not Right”: Naomi Osaka Swaps Tennis Racket with Baseball Bat