"Can't believe I'm here" - Naomi Osaka left 'starry-eyed' after emotional return to Wimbledon 5 years after her last appearance

Naomi Osaka is finally returning to Wimbledon after a 5-year hiatus. She last played at SW19 in 2019, losing to Yulia Putintseva in the first round.

Osaka made her comeback after maternity leave at the 2024 Brisbane International. She has been taking giant strides to get back to her best level, reaching the quarterfinals at the Qatar Open and Libema Open.

The Japanese player also came close to defeating World No. 1 Iga Swiatek during their second-round encounter at the 2024 French Open. The duo played a match of the year contender with Swiatek edging a close victory.

Osaka has now reached Wimbledon to begin her campaign at the third Major since her return. She revealed on Instagram that she had reached SW19. Posting a picture of the Wimbledon logo, Osaka wrote:

"Feeling very starry eyed, can't believe I am here, wow."

The 4-time Grand Slam champion also joked with a staff member about returning after an extended period. Osaka posted a picture of a green outside court and the iconic Center Court and wrote:

"A lady just asked me when's the last time I was here because they made some changes. I said 2019 and she chuckled at me."

Source- Naomi Osaka's Instagram handle

Naomi Osaka was awarded a wildcard to compete at Wimbledon. In preparation for the grass court Major, she played at the Libema Open, reaching the quarterfinals.

Osaka defeated Elise Mertens and Suzan Lamens in straight sets before losing to Bianca Andreescu in a close three-setter. She then played at the ecotrans Ladies Open in Berlin, losing to Zheng Qinwen in the first round.

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Naomi Osaka: "I see myself as a student on grass"

Naomi Osaka at the 2024 Ecotrans Ladies Open

Naomi Osaka finally played on the grass after five long years. She talked about returning to grass courts in an interview at the 2024 Libema Open.

Osaka said she had very little experience playing on the surface and hence saw herself as a student on grass.

"It was a bit strange after that long time. Moreover, I also had little experience in the past. So I see myself as a student on grass, haha," she said.

The former World No. 1 hoped to showcase a similar mentality to the one she displayed during her second-round encounter against Iga Swiatek at the 2024 French Open, adding that she wanted to find consistency again.

"At the very least, I hope I can show the same mentality as in my match against Iga. More wins will come naturally, but I actually want to quickly find the constancy I appreciate so much in Swiatek, Sabalenka and the top five," she said.

Naomi Osaka has played in the Wimbledon main draw only thrice, in 2017, 2018, and 2019.