Man, Naomi’s comeback? It’s been a rollercoaster, right? You know, she came back after having her baby last year, and everyone was rooting for her, but she just hasn’t been able to snag a title since her Australian Open win way back in 2021. And then, remember those injuries in China? Back and abs, ouch! She was hoping to bounce back, but then, bam! That same ab injury flared up again, forcing her to pull out of the Auckland finals and the Australian Open. Talk about frustrating! But you gotta give her props, she’s been keeping everyone updated on social media, showing us her recovery and training. So, the big question is, when’s she gonna be back in action?

She enjoys interacting with fans, whether it’s during training with her coach Patrick Mouratoglou, or discussing her favorite Studio Ghibli movies. On Saturday, she hosted an “ask-me-anything” session on her Instagram story, playfully filtering through some “unhinged” questions. One fan asked, “What tourney r u going to play next???? I miss watching u play since AO 😭😭😭”

Initially, Osaka was expected to return in March for the MGM Rewards exhibition and then in June for the HSBC Championships. However, she recently updated fans by stating, “I’m playing Indian Wells 🥹❤ I miss you guys also 😭”

The BNP Paribas Open is scheduled for March 5-16, just 10 days away! The last time she prevailed at this tournament was in 2018, when she took down Daria Kasatkina in the finals that year. However, the last two times that she played at the tournament in 2019 and 2024, she faced third-round exits. It’s been a tough ride for Naomi Osaka since last year. She had to pull out of both the 2024 China Open and the Japan Open due to a nagging back injury.

Osaka kicked off 2024 with a bang, reaching the final of the Auckland WTA tournament in January—her first final since returning from maternity leave a year ago. However, after winning the first set 6-4 against Clara Tauson, she had to retire due to an abdominal injury. Just days later, she showcased her skills at the Australian Open, defeating Caroline Garcia and Karolina Muchova. Unfortunately, her luck ran out again when she had to retire from her third-round match against Belinda Bencic.

But it seems her preseason training with new coach Patrick Mouratoglou has been no joke! She shared some hilarious pics and videos from her first sessions, including one where she looked completely wiped out on the court, gear, and all. In true Osaka fashion, she joked, “It’s giving ‘call the ambulance 🚑😭’”! Despite the challenges, she’s pumped about making the most of her 2025 season!

Naomi Osaka shows high hopes for the BNP Paribas Open and more Grand Slams!

Reflecting on her performance, she told CNN Sport, “I think I’m playing really well, even from last year, the end of last year. I got injured there too. But I’ve beaten some really good players. So I hope that I can continue that trend.”

Looking ahead, Osaka has big dreams for her future, including a quest for her fifth major title—the first since becoming a mother. “I have a lot of goals going forward,” she shared. “For as long as I can play, I really want to win Wimbledon and Roland Garros (the French Open) and get a career grand slam.” Despite her impressive achievements so far, like her two AO and US Open titles. Yet, she feels there’s still much more to accomplish.

Additionally, one of the things that excites Osaka about heading to Indian Wells is the return of Venus Williams. In her CNN interview, she expressed admiration for Williams, who recently received a wild card entry for the BNP Paribas Open—her first event in almost a year.

“She’s probably the reason why I started playing,” Osaka said. “It makes me really excited to go to the tournament and see her, and I feel like she probably doesn’t know how many people she’s inspired because even she inspired me – and through me, there’s probably other kids that are inspired. So it keeps the legacy going,” With her head held high and determination clear as day, will she finally clinch her first title in three years?