'Can't wait': Naomi Osaka to make return to tennis at Brisbane International
Four-time grand slam champion Naomi Osaka will make her highly anticipated return to professional tennis at the Brisbane International.
Osaka last competed on tour at Tokyo's Toray Pan Pacific Open in September 2022.
The former world No.1 was set to contest last January's Australian Open before withdrawing only a week out from the Slam's outset.
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Osaka and her partner, American rapper Cordae, later revealed they were expecting their first child together before the 26-year-old gave birth to a daughter, Shai, in July.
In September it was announced that Osaka will contest next year's Australian Open. However, she will first start her season at the week-long tournament at the Queensland Tennis Centre.
"I am really excited about getting back out on court and competing. I always love starting my season in Brisbane and can't wait to return," Osaka said in a statement for the event.
"The Brisbane International is such a great tournament and will set me up for a brilliant comeback this summer."
Osaka made back-to-back semi-final appearances at the Brisbane International in 2019 and 2020. She won the Australian Open in 2019 and 2021, and the US Open in 2018 and 2020.
Fellow grand slam champions Andy Murray and Victoria Azarenka headline the entry lists for the men's and women's tournaments. While world No.10 Holger Rune and world No.14 Grigor Dimitrov will also finalise their AO preparations in Brisbane.
Brisbane International tournament director Cam Pearson was thrilled to have such a high calibre of stars descend on Brisbane.
"We are really excited to welcome Naomi Osaka, Andy Murray, Victoria Azarenka, Holger Rune and Grigor Dimitrov to Brisbane in 2024 and know the atmosphere of watching these top players will be thrilling this summer," he said.
Naomi Osaka will return to Australian soil this summer for the Brisbane International and the Australian Open. AP
"Victoria, Andy and Grigor are all past Brisbane International champions, so to have them confirmed this early shows their commitment to the tournament and how much players love coming back to Queensland."
A record $3.1 million in prize money will be on offer when the combined WTA 500 and ATP 250 tournament plays out between December 31 to January 7.
