Tennis: Naomi Osaka Secures Victory in Brisbane Prior to the 2024 Australian Open

Naomi Osaka, a winner of four Grand Slam titles, made a successful return to top-level tennis after a 15-month break. She triumphed over Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch with a score of 6-3, 7-6(9) in her opening match at the Brisbane International on Monday. The 26-year-old Japanese player, who last appeared on the tour at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in September 2022, recently became a mother to her daughter Shai in July. She’s now gearing up for the Australian Open, scheduled for January 14-28.

In her comeback match, Osaka immediately made her mark by breaking Korpatsch’s serve and showcased her renowned strength towards the end of the first set, which she clinched in 38 minutes with a powerful forehand winner. Despite losing her serve late in the second set, Osaka maintained her composure and precision in a tightly contested tiebreak, ultimately securing her win.

After the match, Osaka expressed her excitement and nerves about returning to the court, and her appreciation for the support she received from fans. Reflecting on her past few years and her new role as a mother, she emphasized her desire to reciprocate the love and support she’s received. Acknowledging the surreal feeling of playing on professional courts, she recalled her own days as a young spectator admiring her role models.

Osaka’s next challenge in the tournament is a match against former world number one Karolina Pliskova, who advanced directly to the second round with a bye.