Naomi Osaka's Australian Open withdrawal explained as star reveals she's pregnant

Tennis star Naomi Osaka has revealed she is expecting her first child. The Japanese star recently pulled out of the upcoming Australian Open, with many questions over why she decided not to take part in the first Slam of the year. But all has now been revealed after she posted the news of her pregnancy on social media.

Osaka, 25, took to Twitter on Wednesday night and shared a scan of her baby. And she wrote: "The past few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find it's the hardest times in life that can be the most fun. These few months away from sport have really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I have dedicated my life to.

"I realize that life is so short and I don't take any moment for granted, every day is a new blessing and a new adventure. I know I have so much to look forward to in the future, a thing I am I can't wait for my kid to watch my games and tell someone "that's my mom" haha.

“2023 will be a year full of lessons for me and I hope to see you at the start of the next one as I will be at Aus 2024. I love you all infinitely. Sidenote: I don't think there is a perfectly correct path to follow in life, but I have always believed that if you move forward with good intentions, you will eventually find your way."

Osaka has won two Australian Opens and two United States Opens throughout her career, and would have been considered one of the favorites to claim glory Down Under once again if she hadn't. was not removed. It's unclear when she'll be back on the tennis court, but fans are sure to hope she keeps her promise to perform at the Australian Open next year.

Osaka has opted out of a number of tournaments in recent years and has been candid and honest about her mental health issues on several occasions. Former professional Martina Navratilova recently said: "Maybe she doesn't have to play all these matches, but she definitely has to play more than she has.

"You don't have to do everything. It has to suck your energy away from tennis. I'm all for broadening your horizons - I've never been a one trick pony - but the tennis came first."

"That doesn't necessarily mean training harder, but maybe sometimes doing nothing at all. Put your feet up or go to the beach." The Australian Open begins next Monday, with Iga Swiatek the big favorite to win the women's team.