Osaka’s comeback is best news for women’s tennis in ages – Mouratoglou

Patrick Mouratoglou is thrilled to see Naomi Osaka back on the tour and en route back to the top

Naomi Osaka at Indian Wells in 2024 (Icon SMI/Panoramic)

March 13, 2024

Naomi Osaka’s return to the tour after her spell of maternity leave is the best possible thing for women’s tennis.

That’s according to Patrick Mouratoglou, who aired his views on the Tennis Channel during Indian Wells, where the Japanese lost in the third round to Elise Mertens.

Reflecting on her first-round exit at the Australian Open to Caroline Garcia, he pointed out that her current ranking means that she has come up against some tough opponents as she seeks to reach the top again.

“She’s one of the most exciting players out there,” he added. “I think [the current top players] can make the WTA shine again as much as it was when there was Sharapova and the two Williams sisters. I think her comeback is the best news I’ve heard for a long time in women’s tennis.”

Since Melbourne in January, the former world No 1 has played in Abu Dhabi and Qatar, where she picked up her first wins of her comeback, avenging herself on Garcia and then defeating Petra Martic.

And the Frenchman thinks it bodes well for a rise back to the top of the game.

“She will be back – I have no doubt,” he said.