Former world number one Naomi Osaka is keen on inspiring her daughter, Shai, when she makes a comeback to the WTA tour at the Brisbane International on Sunday.
The four-time Grand Slam champion, who gave birth to her daughter in July this year, last featured in a WTA tournament at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in September 2022.
"Being a mum has changed my life a lot. I think it changed my perspective on a lot of things," Osaka said on Friday during a visit to Brisbane's Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.
"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.
"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 has won the Australia Open, which begins on January 14-28, twice in 2019 and 2021. She will participate in the first slam of the year after competing in Brisbane.
The Japanese player also opened up about her title prospects in Brisbane.
"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."
Earlier, the Australian Open prize money was increased by 13% to A$86.5 million ($59.04 million) for the 2024 edition.
The players who are going to benefit the most from the raise are going to be those featuring in the earlier rounds and qualifiers.
The prize money at the Grand Slam has more than doubled over the last decade but the distribution of cash is more even as compared to previous years.