NEW YORK -- Two years ago, Naomi Osaka sat in the stands at Arthur Ashe Stadium and watched Coco Gauff advance to the US Open final with a win over Karolina Muchova .

For Osaka, it was a stark reminder of where she had been -- and where she was in the moment.

She was three years removed from her last title at the tournament, and just two months from giving birth to her daughter, Shai. Being a spectator reminded her of what it was like to play in front of 24,000 people when the lights were brightest. She couldn't wait to get out there again.

She hadn't formally returned to practice, but Osaka could picture herself out there, playing against the top players, deep into Slams.

A few weeks later, she returned to the practice court, more motivated than ever.

On Monday, Osaka was bac

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