Serena Williams’ former coach backs Osaka’s return to top 10

Tennis coach Rick Macci says Naomi Osaka has what it takes to return to the WTA elite level.

After a period of intense training, Osaka is preparing to return to the WTA Tour in early 2024. Additionally, the four-time Grand Slam champion recently announced that she will return at the 2024 Brisbane Open, likely to practice ahead of next year’s Australian Open.

The 26-year-old’s long-awaited return after being absent from the courts for more than a year has been met with much positive attention. Although Osaka still has a long way to go to regain the world’s No. 1 status, coach March said on his official Twitter channel that the two-time Australian Open champion has the ability to reach the top again.

“Asked again if I still think @Naomiosaka can be in the top 10 by the end of the year. 100%. Once she gets back into the fight and feels the sting of losing at the start, the four-time Grand Slam champion will be in deep Which is a treasure trove of confidence and winning in the major leagues.”

Osaka has been absent from the WTA Tour for a year after announcing her pregnancy ahead of the 2023 Australian Open. The 26-year-old subsequently gave birth to her first child in July, but has since committed to returning to competitive tennis in 2024.

The Japanese player first rose to tennis stardom after winning the 2018 U.S. Open. Years of success followed, with Osaka winning another Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows in 2020, while she also won the Australian Open twice in 2019 and 2021.

However, the former world number one has been on and off in recent years. Before becoming a mother, Osaka revealed in 2021 how she struggled with depression and anxiety, which led to her exit from Roland Garros that year.