Naomi Osaka‘s comeback on the women’s tour is being lauded by the entire tennis realm. After embarking on a parenthood journey, the Japanese tennis star has once again taken up her tennis duties in this new season. But do you know who inspired the former world No. 1 player to make a robust return to the competitive game?

Following a season-long maternity break, Osaka recently marked her participation in the ongoing Brisbane International. Speaking about her much-waited comeback, the 4-time singles Grand Slam champion recently hailed two of her biggest inspirations, Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka, who are also part of the tennis ‘moms club.’

Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka serve as maxims for Naomi Osaka

Ahead of the Australian Open, Naomi Osaka recently opened up about how her outlook has now changed after embracing motherhood. While saying that she has rediscovered her love for the game, the Japanese tennis player revealed that some ‘moms’ on the WTA Tour have inspired her throughout this new parenthood journey.

In a recent episode of the AO Show, Osaka said, “I mean, of course, there’s so many people to be inspired by even not even just athletes. But I think moms all across the board, I realized after giving birth, how strong they are and how amazing it is that they kind of just step back into work.”

As she hailed some of the tennis moms for ‘how strong and amazing’ they are, the 4-time singles Grand Slam champion cited the examples of Serena Williams and Victoria Azarenka. Just like Osaka, the two WTA superstars also made a robust return to the tennis circuit after embracing motherhood during their respective journeys.

A conduit of inspiration for Osaka to thrive on

Notably, Osaka stated, “And some moms actually don’t have the choice to take a break. So I mean, of course, inspired by Serena watching Wimbledon last year, and seeing suited to Lena and I played the US Open final against Azarenka I think there’s so many incredible players.”

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After seeking inspiration from Williams and Azarenka, the former world No. 1 player has started the new tennis season with a bang. In her comeback match in Australia, Osaka recently outclassed her German opponent, Tamara Korpatsch, in a straight-sets game at the ongoing Brisbane International.

What do you think of the Japanese tennis star hailing Williams and Azarenka as two of her biggest inspirations on the tour? Let us know in the comments section.

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