WATCH: Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrgios, and Other Tennis Stars Sweating it Out Ahead of Australian Open 2022

The new tennis season is around the corner, and fans are eagerly waiting. Having finished the 2021 season only a short while ago, tennis stars like Naomi Osaka, Diego Schwartzman, and Nick Kyrgios are now back to training for the Australian summer.

The road to the Australian Open has begun, with Melbourne and Sydney gearing up for the build-up tournaments. Not only are the current champions working to defend their titles, but eager young stars are looking to dethrone them.

Naomi Osaka, Diego Schwartzman and others are putting in the work

4-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka currently holds the crown at the Australian Open. After not having played since September owing to mental health concerns, the Japanese star will be looking to come back in an emphatic fashion.

Aug 30, 2021; Flushing, NY, USA; Naomi Osaka of Japan enters to play Marie Bouzkova of the Czech Republic on day one of the 2021 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Moreover, she has already begun practice in LA, and looks in great shape ahead of her title defense. She is one of the favorites to win the Australian Open once again next year.

Naomi Osaka back on the practice courts in LA. Hitting with UCLA collegiate tennis player Martin Redlicki

: via IG @ mytennisHQ pic.twitter.com/Fv0S1Ka6U4

— 16.5 missed calls (@yampapii) December 7, 2021

Furthermore, other big tennis stars, too, have begun the grind. Former World No. 6 Maria Sakkari, too, is working hard in the gym to prepare for the next season. Sakkari last met Naomi Osaka at the Miami Open this year where Sakkari won, 6-0, 6-4.

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Australian star Nick Kyrgios, who is keeping busy with his new podcast, is back to work. Hopefully, his home crowd down under will have a lot to cheer for. The Australian Open tweeted a video of how various tennis stars have been spending their offseason.

Back to the grind pic.twitter.com/Lp5K4YeRpe

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 13, 2021

Furthermore, Argentine sensation Diego Schwartzman, too, has begun his training, working hard with his trainer. The former World No. 8 will be looking to make it back into the ATP top-10 next year and looks dead set on achieving it. Hence, his training looked tough and rigorous.

Other tennis stars are training hard for the new season

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – MARCH 03: Fernando Verdasco of Spain celebrates winning his semi final match against Robin Haase of Netherlands on day six of the ATP Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship on March 3, 2017 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Tom Dulat/Getty Images)

Not only is the younger generation of tennis stars training hard for 2022, but even the veterans are looking to make comebacks. Particularly, Spanish former World No. 7 Fernando Verdasco is working hard on his footwork ahead of the 2022 Australian Open.

@FerVerdasco dándolo todo de cara al 2022

¿Qué tal este ejercicio? pic.twitter.com/MhMOHZB1qS

— ATP Tour en Español (@ATPTour_ES) December 12, 2021

Hence, it is quite obvious that next season is going to be one for the history books. The Australian summer promises to be full of excitement and elite competition.

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The post WATCH: Naomi Osaka, Nick Kyrgios, and Other Tennis Stars Sweating it Out Ahead of Australian Open 2022 appeared first on EssentiallySports.