Naomi Osaka returns to court 15 months later

Former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka will return to the court after a 15-month hiatus at the Brisbane Open in January, organizers have announced.

The four-time Grand Slam champion last played at a WTA event in Tokyo at the end of September 2022 before welcoming her baby daughter Shai in July this year. “I’m really excited to get back on court and play again. I always love to start my season in Brisbane and I can’t wait to get back. Brisbane is a great tournament and will set me up for a brilliant comeback this summer,” said Osaka, who won the 2019 and 2021 Australian Open.

The 26-year-old American has had long spells out of tennis since her second victory at Melbourne Park, taking a long break to deal with mental health issues after missing the 2021 French Open and the US Open the same year.

The December 31-January 7 tournament in Brisbane, which returns after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will also feature Andy Murray and another two-time Australian Open champion, Victoria Azarenka.

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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

“It’s great to see the Brisbane tournament back on the calendar and I’m really looking forward to returning to Queensland this summer. I have great memories of winning the title in 2012 and 2013 and would love to lift the trophy for a third time in Brisbane,” Murray said.