In the world of tennis, anticipation is building as former No. 1 player Naomi Osaka gears up for her much-awaited return to the court. After taking a break to welcome her daughter, Shai, into the world with her American rapper boyfriend, Cordae, Osaka is ready to make her WTA comeback at the Brisbane International.
With two Australian Open and two U.S. Open titles under her belt, Osaka's absence from last year's Australian Open left spectators eagerly awaiting her return. But the wait is finally over as she sets her sights on the Brisbane International at Pat Rafter Arena, which kicks off this Sunday.
Despite only playing one game since the 2021 U.S. Open, a match that unfortunately ended in Daria Gavrilova's retirement due to a knee injury, Osaka hasn't lost her competitive edge. As she steps onto the practice court to prepare for the tournament, her sheer determination and excitement are palpable.
According to tournament director Cameron Pearson, Osaka wasted no time in getting back into the swing of things. 'She arrived on Christmas morning, and a few hours later, she was out on the court practicing. No Christmas pudding for her, she was straight into it,' he shares. Her dedication and commitment to her craft are nothing short of inspiring.
But Osaka isn't the only tennis star making a comeback. The men's field at the Brisbane International is set to be a star-studded affair, with Rafael Nadal also returning from injury. The 32-man ATP draw is brimming with talent, so much so that players like Matteo Berrettini and Dominic Thiem will have to fight their way through the qualifiers in order to secure a spot in the tournament.
Thiem, the runner-up in the 2020 Australian Open, and Berrettini, a semifinalist two years later, currently find themselves outside the top-60 cutoff mark for automatic entry. Their journey to secure a place in the season-opening event won't be an easy one, but their determination matches that of Osaka.
Young Danish player Holger Rune, ranked No. 8, leads the men's draw, injecting a fresh burst of energy and talent into the mix. Joining him will be American Ben Shelton and the legendary Andy Murray, a three-time Grand Slam singles champion. The competition is fierce, promising electrifying matches and unforgettable moments on the court.
On the women's side, the 54-player draw is equally exciting. Reigning Australian Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, Jelena Ostapenko, Victoria Azarenka, Sofia Kenin, and Sloane Stephens will all be vying for the coveted title. With such a talented lineup, the tournament is sure to deliver thrilling matches and incredible displays of skill.
As the countdown to the Brisbane International begins, tennis fans from around the world are eagerly anticipating the return of their favorite stars. Naomi Osaka's comeback, coupled with the strong field of competitors, promises an unforgettable tournament filled with passion, resilience, and exceptional athleticism.
So, mark your calendars and prepare to witness history in the making as the Brisbane International showcases the very best that tennis has to offer. The stage is set, and the players are ready. Let the games begin!
