Naomi Osaka, the former world number one after a 15-month break, is poised to reenter the WTA tour at the Brisbane International in January.
The four-time Grand Slam champion’s last WTA tournament was at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in late September 2022. During her absence, she became a mother to Shai in July of that year. Following her second triumph at Melbourne Park, she took extended breaks, one for mental health reasons post the 2021 French Open and another after the 2021 US Open. Osaka is enthusiastic about getting back into competitive play.
Osaka is looking forward to the Brisbane International as a crucial preparation event for the Australian Open, a tournament she previously won in 2019 and 2021. She’s thrilled to begin the season in Brisbane and is eager for a strong return.
Naomi Osaka will return to the WTA tour after a break of 15 months at the Brisbane International in January 🎾
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) November 10, 2023
The Brisbane tournament, which resumes after a three-year hiatus due to the initial Covid-19 pandemic, will include significant players such as Andy Murray, Victoria Azarenka, 10th-ranked Holger Rune, and 14th-ranked Grigor Dimitrov from December 31 to January 7.
Murray, who faced five defeats in the Australian Open finals, is excited to return to Queensland and aims to win the trophy for the third time, recalling his previous victories in Brisbane. The Australian Open at Melbourne Park is scheduled from January 14-28.
Naomi Osaka’s return to the Brisbane International following a 15-month hiatus signifies her reentry into the competitive world of tennis. This marks a significant moment for the former world number one and four-time Grand Slam champion, signifying her readiness to engage in top-tier competition after a substantial period away from the sport. Her participation at Brisbane indicates a new chapter, as she prepares to reintroduce her skill and resilience to the WTA circuit.
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