NAOMI OSAKA has announced she's pregnant and expecting a child this year.
The tennis superstar is not in Australia for the first grand slam of the year beginning next week.
And she confirmed the reason why in a social media post on Wednesday.
Osaka, 25, announced she's expecting her first child in a cute post on Instagram.
She wrote: "The past few years have been interesting to sat the least.
Naomi Osaka mystery as Australian Open chiefs “scrambling” to see if she’ll play
"But I find that it's the most challenging times in life that may be the most fun.
"These few months away from the sport has really given me a new love and appreciation for the game I've dedicated my life to.
"I realise that life is so short and I don't take any moments for granted, everyday is a new blessing and adventure.
" I knew that I have so much to look forward to in the future.
"One thing I'm looking forward to is for my kid to watch one of my matches and tell someone 'that's my mum' haha.
"2023 will be a year that'll be full of lessons and for me I hope I'll see you guys in the start of the next one because I'll be at Aus 2024."
The Japanese star is in a relationship with rapper Cordae.
She has won the Australian Open and US Open twice each during her career.
Osaka officially withdrew from this year's Australian Open at eight days' notice with no reason.
But that reason has become clear now with her social media post.
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Naomi has missed grand slam tournaments in the past and hasn't played at Wimbledon since before the Covid pandemic in 2019.
She also withdrew from the French Open in 2021 for mental health reasons after opening up on her depression battle since the 2018 US Open.
