Naomi Osaka news: Former world No 1 will return to action at Indian Wells

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Naomi Osaka in action

Four time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka has announced that she’ll be back in action next month at the Indian Wells Masters which is set to take place between March 7 – 20.

Osaka was last seen on-court during the Australian Open where she suffered a shock defeat to American 20-year-old Amanda Anisimova in the third round which led to the Japanese-born player taking a dive in the rankings, falling 71 places from No 14 to No 85.

The 2021 ‘Happy Slam’ champion held a Q&A session with her fans on Instagram Live where she revealed she would play her next tournament at Indian Wells, but she also explained what she’s been getting up to during her down time between competitions.

“I’m doing a lot of things right now, I am the type of person that always has to have projects going on,” the 24-year-old said.

“I just never tell anyone what I’m doing until it comes out.

“Mainly reading a lot during this time though.”

Indian Wells is a particularly special tournament for Osaka as that’s where she won her first WTA title back in 2018 after defeating the likes of Simona Halep, Maria Sharapova and Daria Kasatkina.

The two time US Open winner didn’t fair as well the year later as she only managed to get to the fourth round, then in 2020 is was cancelled due to Covid-19 restrictions, but in 2021 when she could try and win her title back she pulled out of the competition as she took a break from the sport after the US Open.

While her competitors are jetting around the world to participate in tournaments from Dubai to Mexico, Osaka will be focussing on getting prepared for Indian Wells, however she has made an appearance at the Dallas Open this week, but strictly “for fun” as a spectator.

The Indian Wells Masters gets underway from March 7.

Naomi Osaka

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