Four-time Grand Slam champion, Naomi Osaka, has announced she is pregnant.

The 25-year-old Japanese former world number one withdrew from the Australian Open earlier this week, having not played since September.

Osaka, who posted a picture of a baby scan on social media, stated: “The past few years have been interesting to say the least, but I find that its 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 realize that life is so short and I don’t take any moment for granted, everyday is a new blessing and adventure. I know 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 my matches and tell someone, ‘that’s my mom’.

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“2023 will be a year that’s full of lessons for me and I hope to see you guys at the start of the next one because I’ll be at Aus 2024. Love you all infinitely.

“Sidenote: I don’t think there’s a perfectly correct path to take in life but I always felt if you move forward with good intentions you’ll find your way eventually,” the tennis star wrote.

Last week she posted pictures on social media of a trip to Europe with her United States rapper boyfriend Cordae and had been considered unlikely to play in the first Grand Slam of the season.

Osaka won the last of her four Grand Slams at the Australian Open in 2021.

However, she has spoken of the problems she has faced since that memorable title win.

In May 2021, after pulling out of the French Open, she revealed she had “suffered long bouts of depression” ever since winning her first major title, the US Open, in 2018.

In September 2021, she took a five-month break from the sport.

She lost in the third round of the Australian Open on her return, then the first round of the French Open, missed Wimbledon because of injury and lost in the opening round of the US Open.

Naomi Osaka played last at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in September and has dropped to 47 in the world rankings.

She is the latest high-profile player to take a break from tennis due to pregnancy.

Germany’s three-time Grand Slam champion Angelique Kerber revealed her pregnancy in August, suggesting she will return after giving birth, while former world number three Elina Svitolina is expected to make her comeback this year after giving birth last October.

Serena Williams took a break to give birth in 2017 and returned later the same year, continuing to play before retiring in 2022.

The Star