Naomi Osaka is hoping to inspire her daughter when she returns to the tennis court for the first time since giving birth to daughter Shai.
The Brisbane International will be the four-time Grand Slam champion's first tournament since the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in September 2022.
Shortly after, the 26-year-old confirmed she was pregnant, and welcomed Shai in July.
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She said becoming a mum has "changed her perspective on a lot of things", while also showing to her what she's physically capable of.
"Giving birth was one of the most painful things I've ever gone through. It's definitely made me feel like physically I can handle a lot," she said.
"I want to show Shai that she's capable of everything, so that's one of my main purposes and main reasons why I want to be back out here."
Osaka's return to the court in preparation for the Australian Open – which she has won twice – will come at a tournament in which she's twice finished runner-up.
But she's keeping her expectations well in check for her competitive return.
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"I've given myself the biggest chance to do well, but at the same time, I haven't had any match play," Osaka said.
"I'm just embracing the fact that it's my first tournament in a very long time. I'm just trying to have fun and do well at the same time."
Her first opponent will be a fresh challenge – German world No.84 Tamara Korpatsch. The pair have never before met on-court.
They hit the court about midday Sunday.
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