Four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka marked her triumphant return to elite tennis in Brisbane after a 15-month hiatus, defeating Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch 6-3, 7-6(9) in the first round of the Brisbane International on Monday. Osaka, a 26-year-old from Japan and former world number one, showcased her prowess with a flawless performance, breaking Korpatsch to love in her first game back and closing out the opening set in just 38 minutes.
Having last competed at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo in September 2022, Osaka took a break to welcome her daughter, Shai, in July before intensifying her preparations for the upcoming Australian Open from January 14-28. Despite a late setback in the second set where she dropped serve, Osaka’s clean ball-striking prevailed in a fiercely contested tiebreak, securing her victory.
Expressing her feelings after the match, Osaka mentioned, “I was super nervous, but I was really excited to be out here. It feels really good to be back.” Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized a newfound appreciation for the support from fans and a commitment to reciprocate the love she receives. “I feel like the last couple of years that I played before I had my daughter, I didn’t return as much love as I was given, so I really feel like that’s what I want to do in this chapter.”
Acknowledging the surreal experience of playing on the same courts where she once admired her role models, Osaka expressed gratitude for the fans who came out to cheer for her. Looking ahead, she is set to face former world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in the next round, who received a bye into the second round. The anticipation builds as Osaka continues her comeback journey in the competitive tennis circuit.