Naomi Osaka hints at emulating Serena and Venus Williams to play until her forties

The 25-year-old gave birth to her first child in July and is reportedly set to make her return to the WTA Tour in January 2024, when she will play her first competitive match since September 2022.

"I remember watching the Australian Open & being devastated because I've never missed an Australian Open," said the two-time champion of the tournament.

"When I was watching Serena & Venus (Williams) I was thinking I probably no way will ever play at their age, but sitting here I'm like you know what? I might do that actually."

Serena Williams, 41, retired in September last year, around the same time Osaka took her break from the sport, whilst Venus Williams is still playing competitively at 43.

The two-time US Open title winner also suggested that she will be playing under a less stressed schedule when she returns.

"It's definitely way more tournaments than I used to play," said Osaka who featured in a total of 20 tournaments between the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

"So I think some people will be happy with that. I think it's because I realized that I don't know how the beginning of the year is going to go for me.

"I don't know the level of play and I think I have to ease into it. So at the very least, I'll set myself up for a very good end of the year," said Osaka to ESPN.

The former world number one is expected to make her return at the Australian open early next year.