Four-time Grand Slam singles champion Naomi Osaka will make her comeback to tennis at the Brisbane International warmup tournament ahead of the Australian Open. Tournament organizers confirmed on Friday that Osaka will compete in the December 31-January 7 event to kick off her 2024 season.
Osaka, a two-time Australian and US Open champion, withdrew unexpectedly from last year’s Australian Open before confirming she was pregnant. The former tennis No. 1 announced the birth of her daughter Shai in July. Also read: Carlos Alcaraz Net Worth 2023, Salary, Prize Money, and Endorsements
“I am really excited about getting back out on court and competing. I always love starting my season in Brisbane and can’t wait to return,” Osaka said in a statement. It “will set me up for a brilliant comeback this summer.”
Osaka was born in Japan and immigrated to the United States with her parents when she was three years old. She hasn’t participated on tour since a September 2022 event in Tokyo, soon after losing in the first round of the US Open. Also read: Coco Gauff Claims First WTA Finals Win In Cancun
The Australian Open revealed last month that Osaka will compete in the tournament, which begins on January 14.