Naomi Osaka, the former world No. 1 and new mother, is eagerly gearing up to make her much-anticipated return to tennis at the Brisbane International. After pulling out of last year’s Australian Open due to pregnancy, Osaka is ready to showcase her skills once again at the upcoming tournament, set to kick off on Sunday at Pat Rafter Arena. As a two-time Australian and US Open champion, Osaka’s comeback has been highly anticipated by fans and tennis enthusiasts alike.
Osaka’s journey to becoming a mother began when she revealed her pregnancy after withdrawing from the Australian Open in Melbourne. In July, alongside her American rapper boyfriend, Cordae, she welcomed their daughter Shai in Los Angeles. Since then, Osaka has played only one match at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, where she had to retire after her opponent, Daria Saville, suffered a serious knee injury. However, her determination and passion for the game have not wavered, and she is now ready to make a splash at the Brisbane International.
Tournament director Cameron Pearson expressed his excitement about Osaka’s return, stating, “She’s really pumped, excited to be back in Brisbane. She arrived Christmas morning and was out practicing a few hours later. No Christmas pudding for her, she was straight into it.” The enthusiasm surrounding Osaka’s comeback is palpable, and fans are thrilled to witness her incredible talent on the court once again.
In addition to Osaka’s return, tennis fans will also have the opportunity to witness the comeback of Rafael Nadal at the Brisbane International. Nadal, a 20-time Grand Slam champion, had been sidelined due to injury but is eager to make his mark in the 32-man ATP field. The lineup is exceptionally strong, with players like Matteo Berrettini, the 2021 Wimbledon finalist, and Dominic Thiem, the 2020 US Open champion. Berrettini and Thiem will have to qualify to secure their spots in the tournament, as they are currently ranked outside the top-60 cutoff mark.
The women’s draw is also packed with top-notch talent, including reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jelena Ostapenko, Victoria Azarenka, Sofia Kenin, and Sloane Stephens. With a total of 54 players competing, the stage is set for a thrilling and highly competitive tournament.
As the countdown to the Brisbane International begins, the anticipation for Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal’s return to the court is mounting. Tennis fans around the world are eagerly awaiting their comeback matches, poised to witness the exceptional athleticism, skill, and determination that both players bring to the game. With an impressive lineup of competitors in both the men’s and women’s draws, the Brisbane International promises to be an unforgettable start to the tennis season.
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