Former world No 1 Naomi Osaka will return to the WTA tour after a break of 15 months on the Brisbane Worldwide in January.
The four-time Grand Slam winner final performed a WTA match on the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in late September 2022 and had a daughter, Shai, in July this 12 months.
Osaka, 26, has had lengthy spells out of the sport since her second triumph at Melbourne Park, taking a prolonged break to prioritise her psychological well being after skipping the 2021 French Open and one other after the US Open the identical 12 months.
“I’m actually enthusiastic about getting again out on courtroom and competing,” mentioned Osaka, who will use the match as a heat up for the Australian Open – the place she was a winner in 2019 and 2021.
“I’m actually enthusiastic about getting again out on courtroom and competing,” mentioned Osaka, who will use the match as a heat up for the Australian Open – the place she was a winner in 2019 and 2021.
“I all the time love beginning my season in Brisbane and may’t wait to return. The Brisbane Worldwide is such an awesome match and can set me up for an excellent comeback this summer time.”
The Brisbane match, which is returning after a three-year hiatus compelled initially by the Covid-19 pandemic, may also characteristic Andy Murray, twice Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka, world No 10 Holger Rune and world No 14 Grigor Dimitrov from December 31 to January 7.
“It is nice to see the Brisbane Worldwide again and I’m actually wanting ahead to returning to Queensland this summer time,” mentioned Murray, who has misplaced 5 Australian Open finals.
“I’ve nice recollections of successful the title in 2012 and 2013 and I might like to carry the trophy once more for a 3rd time in Brisbane.”
The Australian Open takes place at Melbourne Park from January 14-28.
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