Four-time Grand Slam champion Noami Osaka made a remarkable comeback to competitive tennis after a 15-month hiatus. On January 1, the 26-year-old secured a victory in the Round of 64 at the Brisbane International, defeating Germany’s Tamara Korpatsch 6-3, 7-6 (11-9).
Osaka, returning to the court after 15 months, dominated the opening set with precise first serves, winning all 11 points on them and delivering three aces. Korpatsch faced nervous moments, committing three double faults in the first set. The second set evolved into a closely contested battle, leading to a tie-breaker where both players displayed resilience.
Ultimately, at 10-9, Osaka clinched victory with a forehand winner down the line at the Pat Rafter Arena. Her next challenge is against Karolina Pliskova in the second round on Tuesday, January 2.
Osaka joins the ranks of returning mothers on the tennis court this season, alongside Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki. Having announced her pregnancy in January last year, Osaka became a mother in July with rapper Cordae.
Expressing her desire to inspire her daughter Shai, Osaka is set to make her Grand Slam return at the Australian Open 2024, commencing on January 14.
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