Naomi Osaka made a resounding return to professional tennis after a 15-month break, securing victory against Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch at the Brisbane International.
Osaka, who last competed in September 2022 at the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo before welcoming her daughter Shai in July, demonstrated formidable form, prevailing 6-3, 7-6(9) in a compelling encounter.
The Japanese tennis star exhibited no signs of rust, swiftly breaking Korpatsch’s serve to love in her comeback game and later seizing the opening set with a dazzling forehand winner. Despite a late service break in the second set, Osaka maintained her composed play, exhibiting clean ball-striking skills during the fiercely contested tiebreak to clinch the victory.
Expressing her excitement and acknowledging her nerves, Osaka credited the support of fans, expressing a desire to reciprocate the love she has received in this new chapter of her career. She highlighted her appreciation for the support, describing her journey from being an admirer of tennis icons to now playing on the same courts.
The next challenge for Osaka at the Brisbane International is a matchup against former world number one Karolina Pliskova, who advanced to the second round with a bye.
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