Naomi Osaka's triumphant comeback at Brisbane International following an extended hiatus from tennis
Former world No 1 Naomi Osaka triumphantly returned to tennis after a year-long hiatus, focusing on her mental well-being and embracing motherhood in July Her victorious comeback at the Brisbane International marks a remarkable chapter in her extraordinary journey
After over a year away from the sport to focus on her mental health and becoming a mother, former world No. 1 Naomi Osaka made a triumphant return to tennis on Monday. The four-time grand slam champion started off the new year with a win, defeating Germany's Tamara Korpatsch 6-3 7-6 (11-9) in the first round of the Brisbane International.
Osaka's most recent match took place at the 2022 Pan Pacific Open in Japan. As the defending champion, Osaka withdrew from the competition due to abdominal pain. Although she was anticipated to compete in the 2023 Australian Open, a tournament she has won twice, she withdrew after announcing her pregnancy.
Osaka, who has not played competitively for 15 months and is currently unranked, made 36 winners in the match with only 21 unforced errors, according to the WTA. She held Korpatsch to just 13 winners in her straight-sets victory.
"After the match, Osaka commented, "In the last few years that I played before having my daughter, I didn't return as much love as I received. I feel like that's what I want to do in this new chapter."
"I am truly grateful for the support of those who come out to watch and cheer for me. It's surreal to think that I once watched my role models play, and now I'm the one out on these courts."
Osaka's dominant serve carried her through the match without facing a break point in the opening set.
Osaka serves during the match.
Tertius Pickard/AP
The second set was somewhat tougher as the players exchanged breaks to send the match to a tiebreak.
Osaka let slip two match points in a thrilling finish, but ultimately secured the victory with a forehand winner on her third attempt. "Reflecting on the match, I’m honestly very proud of myself," Osaka said. "I feel like I performed at a high level."
My opponent performed excellently. I was dealing with constant nerves, but I managed to push through the tough match. I hope to use this experience as a foundation for future matches. The 26-year-old Osaka will face Karolína Plíšková, another former world No. 1, in the second round.
