Naomi Osaka withdrew from the Australian Open this week (Picture: Getty)

Naomi Osaka has announced she is pregnant and will not return to the WTA Tour until 2024.

Four-time Grand Slam champion Osaka withdrew from the Australian Open this week having won the major tournament in both 2019 and 2021.

The 25-year-old’s ranking has slipped to 47 and she has not played since September after withdrawing during the Japan Open second round in Tokyo.

Osaka has won only one completed match since May and was beaten in the first round of her three previous tournaments, including the US Open.

The former world No.1 will now take some time away from tennis as she confirmed the news of her pregnancy on social media.

‘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,’ Osaka said.

‘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 realise 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’ haha.

‘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.’

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The four-time major winner will be away for a while…