Naomi Osaka has announced that she will return to Brisbane International six months after giving birth to her first child. Since September 2022, Osaka has not participated in any WTA Tour events. With the birth of her daughter Shai in July, the 26-year-old took a break from the sport in January of this year.
Osaka had previously stated in an interview that she intended to compete again in 2024 at the Australian Open and that she would keep a busy schedule for the upcoming season.
Starting on December 31, the WTA 500 Brisbane International acts as the lead-up to the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of the year.
Osaka said in a statement: “I am really excited about getting back out on the court and competing. I always love starting my season in Brisbane and can’t wait to return. The Brisbane International is such a great tournament and will set me up for a brilliant comeback this summer.”
Kicking off her comeback in style 😎@naomiosaka 🔜 #BrisbaneTennis pic.twitter.com/tgzKnPuWOj
— Brisbane International (@BrisbaneTennis) November 21, 2023
Naomi Osaka in 2023
Now the world no.661, Osaka played her last match on the 20th of September 2022 when she had to retire when playing against world no.204 Daria Gavrilova in the 1st round and the scoreline was 1-0 .
During this season the Japanese has managed to achieve a compiled 14-9 match record.
Naomi Osaka |
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Embed from Getty Images |
